Hermand Birchwood

Hermand Birchwood, situated 0.6 miles south-east of West Calder, is an important area of woodland growing on a relict raised bog with a ground flora dominated by blaeberry.

There is also a small flower-rich meadow which is grazed by Hebridean sheep during the winter.

You can also encounter these following species- so keep your eyes open!

• Cross-leaved Heath
• Bullfinch
• Curlew
• Scots Pine
• Round-leaved Sundew
• Heather
• Wren

You can download your own map for the reserve here and obtain your leaflet by clicking here

Within Scotland's varied landscape lies the Scottish Wildlife Trust's wildlife reserves which have provided a secure haven for wildlife for 50 years. We have 120 reserves covering an area of more than 20,000 hectares.

Our reserves support:

• 168 UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species
• 204 species from the Scottish Biodiversity List
• 15 species from the SNH Species Action Framework plus many others

The reserves offer good opportunities for watching wildlife and are vital in securing the long-term future of Scotland's wildlife.

Address

Hermand Birchwood
West Calder
West Lothian
EH55

Best time to visit April- July

This fenced grassland is grazed by sheep in the winter and dogs must be kept on a lead. Footwear with a good grip is advisable on this peatland site.

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.

Getting onto the reserve

There is a circular path from the car-park.