The trees are primarily mixed native deciduous: alder, birch, ash, aspen, Scots pine, rowan, holly, wild cherry, hazel, goat willow, field maple and oak, some of which are around 150 years old. There is also sycamore, beech, and some large Douglas fir and Norway spruce. It includes ancient hedgerows and an area of rare wet woodland which is predominantly alder, well known for its love of wetland environments.

The woodland floor is a rich carpet of ground flora, many of which are ancient woodland indicator species. Bluebell, dog’s mercury, anemone, primroses, scabious, wild raspberries and strawberries, viola, scarlet cup fungi, and spotted orchid can all be found. The existing flora has been supplemented with planted Cumbrian apple trees, a damson tree and blackcurrant bushes.

The woodland is a leafy island surrounded by arable farmland, as such it is an essential resource for passing and resident wildlife. Fauna includes roe deer, red squirrel and a surprising number of hares.

Birdlife is similarly in evidence with woodpecker, buzzard, tree-creeper and goldfinch to name but a small selection.

Black Wood features a 3.5m x 5m wooden storage and daytime shelter cabin which was built with planning permission in 2011. The cabin benefits from a wood-burning stove, firewood rack, insulation, double glazing, and secure shutters. There is an additional hardcore area suitable for a 4m diameter tent, and several other work and recreation areas including an outdoor cooking station, a compost toilet and a zip line across the valley. NB; the zip wire is not suitable for transporting people, it is to facilitate the movement of timber and tools only.

Access to the wood is via a single-track, quiet minor road which is also a national cycle route. From the gated entrance about 60 meters of good, level, hardcore track, suitable for a domestic car leads into the heart of the wood (no need for 4x4 here). From here on a footpath leads down the valley, crossing Whale Gill on a small footbridge, and up the other side in a complete circuit of the wood.

There are no public footpaths running through Black Wood.

The sporting rights are owned and included in the sale.

This wood is an ideal woodland retreat. Far enough away from the road network to give peace and seclusion and yet readily accessed from the national motorway network. The provision of the small cabin and other woodland amenities gives a focal point and facilities for a wide range of activities. From conservation and management to nature watching and recording to a place to escape for a while from the turmoil of modern life.

The density of the trees means that small-scale selective felling would easily provide a small source of domestic firewood, easily processed and stacked to dry on the provided hardstanding.

Black Wood is located within Cumbria's agricultural heartland, which although largely arable and livestock farming, it does feature timber harvesting as well. Indeed, the wood was harvested for pit props during WW2. Nowadays, as the forestry industry is more focused on large-scale conifer production, smaller woods have been allowed to regenerate organically and regain their natural beauty.