Hermand Birchwood

Hermand Birchwood is an important area of birch woodland growing on the remnants of a raised bog. Blaeberry, heather and broad buckler fern grow in abundance on the woodland floor and the damp conditions favour mosses and lichens.

Why visit?

Highlights include:

  • Breeding birds
  • Flower-rich wet meadow
  • Attractive woodland
  • Mosses and lichen

Best time to visit?

  • Apr to Jul for wildflowers

Visit for:

  • birdwatching
  • woodlands
  • grasslands
  • wildflowers
  • peatlands

Other information

A flower-rich wet meadow is grazed by a flock of sheep during autumn and winter to encourage the growth of wildflowers, ragged-robin and marsh marigold.

There is a circular path leading from the car park.

Facilities

Hover for more information

VISITING THE RESERVE

How to get there

Directions

Take the B7008 south from West Calder. Turn right (Hartwood Road) at the crossroads approximately 0.6 miles out of West Calder. After a quarter of a mile, turn left into the car park at the north end of the reserve.

Get directions

Getting onto the reserve

There is a circular path from the car park.

Access restrictions

There are styles and kissing gates on this reserve. Wear boots with a good tread.
Please keep dogs on a lead when the sheep are grazing the meadow.

Nearest town
West Calder (0 mi / 0 km)
OS grid ref
NT031618
Landranger map
65

FURTHER READING

About Hermand Birchwood

Out & about

Nearby reserves
Addiewell Bing
Linhouse Glen
Longridge Moss

Local group
Lothians

Links & downloads

Reserve map

iSpot

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