A wide variety of native broadleaf species are well mixed and evenly distributed across the wood. Aspen, birch, alder, ash and a good scattering of oak are the main examples. A line of much older beech trees marches along the western boundary marking an ancient hedge line. To the east of this is a small stand of pre-planting birch with a central patch of Scots pine.

Holly, hawthorn and hazel, although currently of similar stature to the rest of the trees, will soon be overtaken, so forming the all-important understorey. A band of self-seeded willow inhabits the fringes of the marshy areas.

Although in its enviable youth, the wood has already attracted a thriving population of deer. Frogs and newts can be found in the marshy areas together with soft rush and a variety of mosses. An early succession plant, rosebay willow herb has become established in the centre of the wood. Often dismissed, it is important in its own right being the food species of choice of the elephant hawk moth. Both adult and caterpillar are equally spectacular and worth looking out for. Buzzards and herons are frequent visitors and several varieties of tits and finches can be seen throughout the low canopy.

A hard area is located behind the ridestop entrance with a rustic bench looking into the treescape. A marshy area that drains through a culvert under the access track provides a different landscape within the wood. A vital habitat for amphibians, this area adds interest and further variety to the overall woodland.

Access into the wood is off a minor road and then along a firm stone track, which is accessible by most cars, this leads all the way to the ridestop entrance.

Moving throughout the wood is relatively easy as the trees are still relatively small. Regular visits to the wood will develop habitual paths which will be hijacked by deer keeping them free from overgrowth.

The sporting rights are owned and included in the sale.

Gatton Wood is an exciting opportunity to acquire woodland in an early stage of development. Careful management and gentle intervention and guidance will ensure growth into maturity and diversity. Due to its position close to the major conurbations in the central belt, it would make an excellent bolt hole for those wishing to take a break from city life. Its diversity of habitat means that a wildlife watcher will always discover something new to stimulate interest.

It can be difficult to imagine that this part West Lothian was once the focus of a large-scale oil shale extraction industry from which around 3 million tonnes of oil shale was extracted each year for more than half a century, from 1865.

One reminder of this industry remains, in the form of the piles of reddish spoil that remain dotted around the area. These “bings” are now regarded as a contributor to biodiversity because of the unique habitat they offer. The most spectacular of these "bings" can be seen from the wood and are known as the Five Sisters. Its five elements fan out like the extended fingers of a hand from the "palm" on their east side to the steeply sided "fingertips" on their west side. Today the Five Sisters is protected as an industrial heritage site and features as part of the logo of West Lothian Council.

A Gatton in colloquial Scots, in mining terms, refers to a channel cut into the floor of a mine roadway to allow water to drain away.