A young and thriving mixed woodland in a rural landscape, located within the central belt between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Approaching Deil Wood from the main access track, a gentle slope leads through a ride stop entrance to a level and hardened area suitable for vehicles and trailers or timber stacking. Its elevated position above the surrounding woodland allows glimpses through the woods and views out to the surrounding farmland and hills beyond.

Careful and considered planting with a varied but balanced mixture of well-chosen tree species, both conifer and broadleaf, this wood has a very pleasant feel; rare in a juvenile wood. Scots pine, larch and spruce, comfortably rub shoulders with native birch, alder, ash and willow. Understory species such as hawthorn and hazel will ensure that as the woodland develops, a well-balanced ecosystem will ensue. Although still in their youth, the trees have taken well, are growing well and are confidently expected to gain maturity.

As the initial planting was done on farm pasture, the variety of wood floor plants is not as high as an ancient woodland, but colonising flowers and plants are happily already moving in. Sheep sorrel and hairy bittercress are in evidence and a sympathetic hand could do much to supplement these early pioneers. Sensitive thinning and glade creation will allow more sunlight to reach the ground in sheltered areas, promoting further plant colonisers to take hold and increase diversity. The often derided rosebay willowherb has established a couple of stands. This is a vital food plant for the stunning elephant hawk moth and its giant caterpillar, the plant's vibrant flowers are a welcome sight in the wood. Thinnings will provide a handy supply of domestic firewood.

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. A number of drainage channels cross the land enabling amphibians and damp-loving plants to take up residence.

Deil Wood takes its name from a mining tool for unscrewing broken rods in a bore-hole in the coal face. Now a place where industry is long gone and nature is steadily restoring the natural balance, the wood presents many opportunities for its owner. A chance to engage in conservation and management in a developing wood need not detract from more leisurely outdoor activities. Nature watching, bushcraft, camping and conservation are all pursuits well suited to take place within the seclusion of this wood.

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.

Sporting rights: these are owned and included with the land.

Access: is off a minor road and then along the firm stone track which is accessible by most cars.

There is a growing interest in hut, bothy and temporary shelter building, especially in Scotland; for those interested in erecting a hut or shelter, there is some interesting and very helpful guidance from Reforesting Scotland’s Thousand Hut Campaign. Your Local Planning Authority should also be consulted.

To see a drone video of the whole woodland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qsx-EukxAE&t=26s