Dark secrets of Scotland’s rainforests lit up at Halloween

Thanks to countless Halloween horror films, most people would not think of wandering into a woodland in the hours of darkness.

But with the right equipment and at the right location, venturing out at night into Scotland’s rainforest can open the door to a magical wonderland.

Equipped with Ultraviolet (UV) torches, Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) photographers have captured a glowing secretive world normally hidden to human senses.  

Biofluorescence is where organisms absorb a low wavelength of light and then emit a high wavelength of light - the light that is emitted is a different colour from the light that is absorbed. While some animals can see this emitted light, humans are unable to view this wavelength unless using a UV light source.

The photos show an array of woodland creatures and plants including slaters, slugs and lichen that normally appear subdued to human eyes in a dazzling new light.

The rich biodiversity in these rare temperate rainforests found on Scotland’s west coast, mean they are a great place to explore the phenomenon of Biofluorescence and see a range of vivid colours on lichens, plants and invertebrates.

FLS manages and conserves around 10,000 hectares of ‘core’ rainforest - around a third of the total 30,325 ha area across Scotland. Efforts to safeguard this unique habitat involve the removal of commercial conifers to return areas of native woodlands and their associated flora back to health, clearing invasive shrubs, and reduced grazing by deer and livestock.

Rainforests aren't the only place to see examples of Biofluorescence in plant and animal species - gardens can provide a great place to start with brightly emitting flowers. Some of the patterns seen on flowers are even believed to lead bees to pollen and nectar. Understanding of biofluorescence is constantly evolving, as is the study of how organisms use it for communication, camouflage or even mating purposes. 

Tips for UV photography

Before you head out check out a few of our tips for photographing with UV lights:

Always wear safety glasses.
Look for lights/torches that emit at 365 nm and are in the UV-A range of the spectrum – this helps pick up a wider range of colours.
Bring a tripod or bean bag to support your camera. With less light available and slower shutter speeds required this helps to avoid camera shake. Avoid windy weather if possible as it makes photographing plants trickier when doing longer exposures.  
If you can, bring a friend or family member to help with lighting your subject.
Check the forecast and wrap up warm!

Notes To Editors

1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
2. Home - Forestry and Land Scotland
3. Media enquiries to Neil Ratley, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 07748 872785 or neil.ratley@forestryandland.gov.scot