The woodland is mainly broadleaf with a wide variety of species including, beech, horse chestnut, oak, ash, maple, lime, birch and willow. These species are distributed evenly throughout the wood with a stand of sycamore at the southern end.

A number of quite magnificent Douglas fir are present, accompanied by several equally statuesque Scots pine.

Smaller elder, hawthorn, holly and rowan make up the understory complemented by a variety of planted and self-seeded saplings.

Roe deer and badger are visitors in transit throughout the wood accompanied by a range of diminutive field mice, shrews and voles. The endangered red squirrel also makes its home here no doubt facilitated by local efforts to ensure its survival. Various access points into the water give opportunity for otters to hunt along the length of the river, competing with herons and kingfishers for a share of the fish.

Put very simply, river frontage in a woodland is only available very infrequently. Wellbank wood has frontage in abundance with its entire length being along the aptly named River Eden. The river is so important in the local in enviroment that it carries a SAC designation.

Access into the wood is via Mill Hill (see directions) and then along the footpath at the edge of the wood. A stairway with handrail leads down to a private path along the level ground next to the river and from there throughout the wood.

Occasional 4x4 vehicle access is permitted across a neighbouring farmers field by kind permission of the farmer.

The standard woodlands covenant does NOT apply to this wood.

Sporting rights are owned and included in the sale. The fishing rights are excluded and are owned by a local angling club. Membership of the club should give the opportunity for fishing. The angling club does not have access to the riverbank in the wood despite owning the fishing rights.

Wellbank wood is an ideal base for outdoor activity including camping, fishing (see Rights and covenants) and canoeing. Nature watching and conservation are also possibilities with scope for planting and species diversification.

A crossing point of the the River Eden, Appleby is the county town of the historic county of Westmorland. Its many interesting buildings relate to its key position in local history. Just downstream from the wood is a pedestrian bridge which was installed to complement the still used, ancient ford which in turn is adjacent to Bongate mill, a former corn mill.

Slightly further afield the area is well known for its scenic beauty with numerous walking and cycling opportunities.