Tropical rainforests are a unique environment. Just 100 hectares of Amazon rainforest can contain up to 1500 different plant species, as many as in the whole of the UK. There may be as many as 300 different species of rainforest trees in 1 square kilometre. Rainforests are home to more species of plants and animals than the rest of the world put together (for these facts and many more, click here).

Not only are they home to many plants and animals, they also help to regulate our climate. They act as the 'lungs of the earth' taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

We study rainforests in year 8. Pupils learn where they are found, what they are like, why they are important, why they are threatened and what we can do to protect them.

To find out more about the rainforest, follow these links:

Rainforest facts & figures

Why are rainforests important?

Why are rainforests being destroyed?

What can be done to protect the rainforest?

Case study Amazon rainforest