Short birdwatching visit · Scottish Wildlife Trust
Hermand Birchwood
- Tier
- Local green space
- Best season
- Check conditions; individual bird seasons mostly unstated
- Headline birds
- Curlew · Wren · Bullfinch
- Parking
- Not stated by the operator
- Hides
- Not stated by the operator
- Step-free
- Not stated by the operator
West Calder (0 mi / 0 km)
Hermand Birchwood preserves birch woodland growing over the remains of a raised bog near West Calder. Heather, blaeberry and ferns occupy the floor, while damp conditions favour mosses and lichens. The Trust lists Wren, Curlew and Bullfinch among the reserve’s wildlife, without specifying individual seasons. A circular path from the car park offers a contained woodland outing rather than a reason to cross the remaining boggy ground. Expect natural surfaces and access furniture, and give the adjacent meadow space when sheep are grazing. Good footwear is part of planning the visit.
Birds and seasons
- Curlew · Headline bird — Season not stated Source for Curlew
- Wren · Headline bird — Season not stated Source for Wren
- Bullfinch · Headline bird — Season not stated Source for Bullfinch
Plan your visit
- Hides and viewpoints
- Not stated by the operator – check before travelling
- Paths
- Follow the circular path from the car park, allowing for stiles and kissing gates. Boots with good tread are recommended for the woodland ground.
- Toilets
- Not stated by the operator – check before travelling
- Parking
- Not stated by the operator – check before travelling
- Dogs
- Keep dogs on a lead whenever sheep are grazing the meadow.
- Access notes
- Not stated by the operator – check before travelling
- Step-free access
- Not stated by the operator – check before travelling
Getting there: From West Calder take the B7008 south, turn onto Hartwood Road and use the car park at the north end of the reserve.
Sources
Social preview: original typographic artwork by Does Your Duck Quack.
Nearby special trips
- Musselburgh Lagoons and Levenhall Links · 20.8 straight-line miles
- Tay Reedbeds · 40.4 straight-line miles
- Cameron Reservoir · 41.3 straight-line miles
Continue birding nearby
Nearest full guide: RSPB Baron's Haugh, 17.6 miles away in a straight line.
- Addiewell Bing · 1.8 miles in a straight line
- Linhouse Glen · 3.1 miles in a straight line
- Linlithgow Loch · 9.7 miles in a straight line