There is a wonderful diversity to the trees in the woods of Balmule. When planted, a great deal of thoughtfulness was employed which has resulted in a wonderful woodland being created upon what was formerly agricultural land. Among others, cherry, sycamore, ash, and beech are present. While the shrubby species of hazel, hawthorn and blackthorn have created a great natural division between track and woodland as well as being a great source of nuts and berries.

Therre is an abundance of wildlife within the woods though sometimes the best way of seeing what is about is to set up some wildlife cameras. Night time is a good time to see what is flourishing within the woodland as out nocturnal friends go about there business.

One of the main features of this woodland is the amazing diversity of trees, allowing it to completely retain its integrity in the face of the stresses of nature. Ash die back, as with so many other woodlands across the United Kingdom, is affecting some trees, however having the rich diversity of species allows the wider woodland to still flourish.

First advice with ash die back was to fell affected trees as soon as it was evident. However, unless there is a case on the grounds of safety to fell an affected tree, it is now suggested to leave affected trees. The standing dead wood is hugely beneficial to insects and it is believed that some affected trees will survive the disease and go on to be the future of this species.

Access is down an internal forest track that is suitable for all types of vehicle though care must be taken when wet especially with heavier vehicles that may damage the track. This almost circular track is not suitable for driving the complete way round and back to the entrance, unless the ground is quite dry and hard. It has however been stoned up to the entrance to the wood when going in an anti clockwise direction.

There are no specific paths through the wood as it is fairly open and easily traversable.

All sporting and mineral rights are sold with the woodland.

The answer to the question, "What can I do with my wood?", is endless. For many people it is a question of opportunity; the opportunity to process their own firewood, to build dens with children, to study wildlife or just the opportunity to spend time in a peaceful place.

Banning Wood is located within 15 minutes from Dunfermline, which up until the 17th Century was the royal capital of Scotland and centrally located for Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling. Fife, bounded to the north by the Firth of Tay, and to the south by the Firth of Forth, is a natural peninsula where political boundaries have changed little over the ages. Legend has it that the Pictish realm was divided into seven sub-kingdoms or provinces, one of which went on to become Fife.

To the north beyond the hill and woods is Commerce Park, an old WW2 supply depot for the naval bases at Rosyth, now converted mainly for use by local business and also home to Scotland's Vintage Bus Museum.