What is Rainforest Explorers?
Aviva has launched the Rainforest Explorers photography competition as part of our work with The Wildlife Trusts to protect and restore temperate rainforests in the UK.
We've teamed up with wildlife presenter and photographer Hamza Yassin to help more children learn about these unique habitats through photography.
Watch Hamza explain why UK temperate rainforests are so important and find out how children can take part and become a Rainforest Explorer!
Did you know Britain has temperate rainforests?
Transcript for video Did you know Britain has temperate rainforests?
Did you know Britain has temperate rainforests?
And I'm looking for the next generation of Rainforest Explorers to help me uncover them. Could you be one of them?
They are some of the most rare and beautiful places, home to some incredible wildlife, and they help to reduce the impact of climate change.
That's why they are being protected and restored by the Aviva and The Wildlife Trusts.
But here's the thing. Most people don't know that these incredible places even exist.
So I need your help. I'm launching the Rainforest Explorers photography competition.
Inviting primary school students across the UK to grab a camera and go and visit one of Britains temperate rainforests.
Send in your favourite photo and be a part of the competition.
And if you don't have a temperate rainforest near where you are, that's ok. Discover the wild on your doorstep and enter the Urban Explorer category.
Over to you Rainforest Explorers! We can't wait to see the world through your eyes.
Follow Aviva and find out more.
Enter our Rainforest Explorers photography competition
We’re inviting primary school children aged 4 to 11 to explore nature through photography.
Children can take a photo in a UK temperate rainforest, or capture nature closer to home.
Winning photographers will be invited to a photography masterclass in a UK temperate rainforest with acclaimed young wildlife photographer Jamie Smart.
Here's how to enter in four easy steps:
1. Explore nature
Visit a UK temperate rainforest with family, friends or school, or look for nature closer to home, such as trees, plants, insects or birds.
2. Take a photo
Use a camera, tablet or smartphone. Please do not disturb wildlife or plants.
3. Choose a favourite image
Pick the photograph that best shows what nature means to you.
4. Ask a parent or guardian to submit it
Email the photo to RainforestExplorers@MHPGroup.com with the entry information listed below. The closing date is 3 November 2026.
- Your name, age and school name.
- Competition category: either Rainforest Explorers (for photographs taken in a UK temperate rainforest) or Urban Explorers (for photographs of nature on your doorstep).
- The location where the photograph was taken.
- A short description (up to 50 words) telling us about your photograph and why you chose it.
- Parent or guardian name, email address and telephone number.
For full eligibility, entry details and judging information, read the competition terms and conditions (PDF 129KB), safeguarding privacy notice (PDF 86KB) and supplemental privacy notice (PDF 52KB).
Rainforest Explorers toolkit
The Rainforest Explorers toolkit has simple information for children, parents, guardians and schools. It explains what a temperate rainforest is, where they can be found, how to explore nature responsibly and some top photography tips from Hamza Yassin.
Restoring rainforests, inspiring future generations
Did you know the UK is home to temperate rainforests?
These rare habitats are rich in wildlife and play an important role in healthy, resilient landscapes. They can store carbon, support nature recovery and help places adapt to the effects of climate change, including by slowing the flow of water and supporting natural flood resilience, helping the UK get ready for the future.
In 2023, Aviva donated £38 million to The Wildlife Trusts to help protect and restore UK temperate rainforests. Through this partnership, we’re supporting nature restoration and helping more people understand the value of these special places.
What is a temperate rainforest?
A temperate rainforest is a rainforest that grows in a cooler, wetter climate. In the UK, these rare habitats are known for moss-covered trees, ferns, fungi, lichens, rare wildlife and rich green landscapes.
Why UK temperate rainforests matter
UK temperate rainforests are rare, wildlife-rich habitats found in parts of the country. They support mosses, ferns, fungi, lichens and other wildlife, while also playing a role in storing carbon, supporting nature recovery and helping landscapes become more resilient to the effects of climate change.
Alongside The Wildlife Trusts, we are committed to helping restore the UK’s lost temperate rainforests, which are so critical to how we adapt to climate change and become more resilient to its effects.
Claudine Blamey, Chief Sustainability Officer at Aviva
Why are we restoring rainforests?
Find out from Aviva's Director of Environmental Sustainability, Leah Ramoutar, why protecting these rare habitats is so important.
Aviva launches Rainforest Explorers
Hamza Yassin has joined forces with Aviva and The Wildlife Trusts to help educate children about temperate rainforests after research revealed 73% don't know these rare habitats exist in the UK.
How we're helping restore UK temperate rainforests
Aviva is supporting The Wildlife Trusts on a 100-year journey to restore and reconnect fragments of temperate rainforest across the British Isles.
Working with The Wildlife Trusts
The programme aims to create new woodland, support wildlife and benefit local communities.
Rob Stoneman, Director of Landscape Recovery at The Wildlife Trusts: “They’ll provide vital habitat for wildlife in a time of nature crisis, store vast amounts of carbon, and benefit local communities for generations to come.”
FAQs about how we're helping UK rainforests
What is a temperate rainforest?
Temperate rainforests are rare woodland habitats that grow in areas with high rainfall and mild temperatures.
Where can temperate rainforests be found in the UK?
Temperate rainforests can be found in parts of Wales, Scotland, Cumbria and south-west England. Our Rainforest Explorers toolkit (PDF 11.9MB) includes a handy list of locations.
Why are temperate rainforests important?
They provide habitats for wildlife, support support a wide variety of plants and wildlife,and contribute to healthy, resilient ecosystems.
Why is Aviva supporting rainforest restoration?
We work with The Wildlife Trusts to help restore temperate rainforests and raise awareness of their importance.
Who can enter the photography competition?
The competition is open to eligible children and young people. Please read the competition terms and conditions (PDF 129KB) for full eligibility requirements.
How do I enter the competition?
Submit your photograph via the dedicated email address. The closing date is 3 November 2026.
Do I need professional photography equipment?
No. Photographs can be taken using a camera, smartphone or tablet.
How will winning photographs be chosen?
Entries will be assessed against the competition criteria set out in the terms and conditions (PDF 129KB),
What can winners expect to receive?
Winning entrants will have the opportunity to take part in a wildlife photography experience and have their work showcased as part of the competition.
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