The main body of the planting consists of an even and attractive mix of pioneer species, birch, alder and rowan. These are supplemented by a good scattering of oak, elm and that deciduous conifer, the larch. Also dotted about are several aspen. Along the edge of the wood, hawthorn and blackthorn make for a dense hedge, further reinforced by the occasional holly. A wonderfully diverse woodland that belies its youth!

A resident population of roe deer can frequently be seen, even if their natural shyness means that often all that is visible is the flash of a white flashed rump as they sprint for cover. The transverse drainage channels that cross the land enable and encourage the presence of amphibians and damp-loving plants. Smaller mammals including stoats and weasels, although hard to spot, hunt through the grasses beneath the trees.

An early succession plant, rosebay willow herb has become established along the western ride. Often dismissed, it is important in its own right being the food species of choice of the elephant hawk moth. Both adults and caterpillars are equally spectacular and well worth looking out for.

A good hardstanding area is located behind the ridestop entrance with a rustic bench looking into the treescape. The lateral water channel gives an additional micro-landscape within the wood. A vital habitat for amphibians, this area adds interest and further variety to the overall woodland.

Long-range views to the Ochill Hills and even further to the distance Trossachs are easily possible on a clear day.

Right of access into the wood is off a minor road and then along a firm stone track, which is accessible by most cars leading all the way to the ridestop entrance.

Moving throughout the wood is facilitated by the open well spaced planting with occasional glades. Two small footbridges have been included at key watercourse crossing points.

Well served by road and rail the wood is easily accessed from any of the surrounding conurbations.

The sporting rights are owned and included in the sale.

A wonderful opportunity to give the progress of nature a helping hand. Judicious introduction of native wildflower species would add to the increasing diversity, encouraging and supporting a wide range of wildlife from invertebrates to amphibians to birds and mammals.

The peaceful environs encourage an occasional overnight stopover, a good chance to observe the nightlife of the woods.

It is certainly feasible that in the near future, a good, sustainable source of firewood for home use could easily be harvested.
A young wood is more easily shaped for the future.

The woodland at West Mains was created as part of a landscape improvement scheme initiated by West Lothian Council and a local developer of nearby housing.

Although hard to believe now, this area was once the focal point of the Scottish oil shale industry which extracted several million tons of oil-bearing mineral from beneath the earth. An obvious remaining feature is the nearby Five Sisters bings. Once regarded as an eyesore, they are now seen as an ecological asset as they have now been colonised by a variety of rare plants.

Before the days of electric lights, miners would use an open flame, its soft warm light often referred to as a Lowe.