Ardura Forest has been central to the way of life for generations of families on Mull. The Gaelic name, Doir a’ Chuilinn, meaning ‘holly grove’ dates to medieval times, and the oldest known tree in the forest is a holly over 300 years old.
We are still uncovering the human story held within Ardura. We know that for centuries, subsistence farmers sheltered their animals here during the long journey from coastal crofts to markets, harvested timber, and gathered firewood to keep their families warm. Today, islanders and visitors come to Ardura for gentle recreation, to experience nature, and to connect with the ancestors who depended on this land before us.
In a small, remote community with limited indoor leisure facilities, the forest is a vital space: somewhere for people to meet, for children to play and learn, and for everyone to find solace and a connection with the natural world.
A Rare and Precious Habitat
Ardura is home to remnants of ancient Scottish rainforest, a habitat rarer than tropical rainforest and of international importance. Within this precious ecosystem lives a rich array of wildlife, including unique lichen communities, marsh fritillary butterflies, pine martens, the globally rare hazel glove fungus, redstarts, spotted flycatchers, eagles, hen harriers, the elusive otter, and more.
Now in community ownership under the Mull and Iona Community Trust, we have a responsibility, and an opportunity, to restore and protect this extraordinary place.
Our Work
Decades of commercial forestry and overgrazing by deer have taken their toll on Ardura. Our work aims to reverse that damage. We have three core objectives:
Protect rare and biodiverse habitats. Restore those degraded by commercial forestry and deer overgrazing. Connect people and communities with nature.
Our long-term vision is to regenerate, protect, and enhance biodiversity in Ardura so that the Scottish rainforest is more resilient to the threats of climate change. Over the next 20+ years, we will grow and plant native trees, remove invasive non-native species such as Rhododendron and Sitka spruce, and conserve rare fungi, plants, and lichens. The work will create local employment and help protect our cultural connections to the islanders who depended on this forest before us.
Crucially, we want to inspire the island’s younger generation to become future custodians of this ancient rainforest.
Support Our Vision
If you share our passion for this special place, please consider donating to our JustGiving campaign. Your support helps us collect seeds, grow native trees, plant seedlings, and monitor the flora and fauna that call Ardura home.
Donate via JustGiving → (QR code)
For more information about the forest, or to find out about volunteering at Ardura, please contact our Biodiversity Officer, Lara Jackson-Turner: ljacksonturner@mict.co.uk
If you share our passion to restore and protect this special forest for nature, people and climate please donate to our Just Giving campaign here:
