With Halloween approaching, horror films would generally suggest against wandering through the woods at night.
But photographers at Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) have uncovered how, with the right kit in the right places, Scotland’s rainforests can open the door to a secret wonderland. Using Ultraviolet (UV) torches, FLS experts have captured a spooky but beautiful glowing world normally hidden to human senses in a series of stunning pics.
That’s due to a unique natural phenomenon called biofluorescence – where organisms absorb light then emit it in a different colour. While some animals can see this emitted light, humans are unable to view this wavelength unless using a UV light source.
FLS said: “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 around 10,000 hectares of “core” Scottish rainforest – around a third of the total 30,325 ha area across Scotland. Efforts to safeguard this unique habitat including removing commercial conifers so native woods can return to health, clearing invasive shrubs, and reducing grazing by deer and livestock.
Scotland’s unique and rare temperature rainforest comprises ancient woods in a zone in the west of the country where it’s relatively mild with high levels of rainfall – and boasts an incredible array of wildlife. We told earlier this month how “zombie fungus” like the type found in hit HBO show The Last Of Us was discovered taking over the bodies of spiders in one Scottish rainforest.
However, rainforests aren’t the only place to see examples of Biofluorescence in plant and animal species. FLS says gardens can also provide a great place to start with brightly emitting flowers.
Scientists believe some of the patterns seen on flowers under UV light may lead bees to pollen and nectar. FLS has a few top tips for any amateur nature-lovers wanting to try UV photography:
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Always wear safety glasses.
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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.
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Bring a tripod or bean bag to support your camera. With less light available and slower shutter speeds needed, this helps avoid camera shake. Avoid windy weather if possible as it makes photographing plants trickier when doing longer exposures.
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If you can, bring a friend or family member to help with lighting your subject.
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Check the forecast and wrap up warm!
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