Hermand Birchwood

Edinburgh & the Lothians

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Hermand Birchwood consists primarily of birch woodland over peat, a relict raised bog. There are also smaller areas of open heath, beech and a fenced grassland to the north of the site. The site is designated a SSSI for its birch woodland a rare habitat in West Lothian.

Best time to visit:

  • June to August for orchids, ferns and mosses
  • April to September for birds

Visit for:

  • Birdwatching
  • Peatlands
  • Wildflowers
  • Grasslands
  • Woodlands
Download SWT leaflets

Access

  • Information
    From the car park paths lead into the reserve.
  • Directions
    Take the B7008 south from West Calder.Turn right at the crossroads approximately 1km out of West Calder. After 400m turn left into the car park at the north of the reserve.
  • Restrictions
    The fenced grassland is grazed by sheep in the winter and dogs must be kept on a lead.
Hermand Birchwood

Reserve location

Click on icon for full map & directions
OS Landranger Map: 65
OS Grid Reference: NT031618
Latitude: 55.83970347
Longitude: -3.54750713
Download the reserve map
West Calder (2 miles)

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