Welcome to Hermand Birchwood

Autumn/Winter

Habitat:

Birch on peat with wet grassland.

Description:

  Hermand Birchwood, which is situated on the edge of the gently undulating plateau, which divides West Lothian from Lanarkshire, is unusual in that, apart from the meadow it has been ungrazed for many years. The reserve is dominated by birch, the most common native tree in Scotland, and includes part of a raised bog. The various habitats found on the reserve each require a different form of management. For the peat communities and marshy areas, maintenance of a high water table is essential

Important for:

Bats, fungi, lichens, mosses and trees

Best time to visit:

Before Christmas lunch, to build up an appetite.

Any time the dog wants a walk, or to work lunch off again.

Evening (especially for Bats) when it’s warm enough for insects

Points of interest:

  In the colder months the loss of leaves make the underlying tree shapes more discernible, and the flocks of Tits are more easily seen moving through the trees. On Birch and Alder, Catkins can be found using the wind for their pollination. Mosses and fungi become more visible.

Have a nice walk, but watch your footing, it can be quite wet.  Wellies and a waterproof jacket are generally advisable except during heatwaves. If the boardwalks are wet or in shade they can be slippery.

No ghosts have been detected, yet.

Welcome to Hermand Birchwood

Spring  Summer

Habitat:

Birch on peat with wet grassland.

Description:

  Hermand Birchwood, which is situated on the edge of the gently undulating plateau which divides West Lothian from Lanarkshire, is unusual in that, apart from the meadow it has been ungrazed for many years. The reserve is dominated by birch, the most common native tree in Scotland, and includes part of a raised bog. The various habitats found on the reserve each require a different form of management. For the peat communities and marshy areas, maintenance of a high water table is essential

Important for:

Butterflies and insects, flowers, lichens, mosses and trees

Best time to visit:

June-August: Orchids, for ferns and mosses.

April-September:for birds.

Points of interest:

  Noteworthy uncommon plants include: Narrow buckler fern, Adders tongue fern, and Bay-leaved willow.

  Within the different areas of the reserve, several species of sphagnum moss are actively growing.

  The meadow is selectively grazed for low fertility using small numbers of Hebridean sheep. (Remember to shut the gates and control the dogs.)

  There have been recordings of the greater butterfly orchid,

In the meadow, but not recently. If you see one, tell us. Bats are available by appointment in twilight

Enjoy your walk, but watch your footing.  It can be soggy.

Wellies and a waterproof jacket are advisable, if the boardwalks are wet or in shade they can be slippery.

A torch may be advisable if it’s getting dark and you are easily spooked.

Although HBW is known locally as “Ghost Wood”, no spirits, ghouls or wraiths have been detected,

(or at least, not yet proven.)