Community Woods and Garden, Polbeth and West Calder

The Community Woods and Garden was established in 2013 by two local mums who wanted to ensure a green space which their kids could access. At that time the site was derelict and has since been brought to life by many dedicated volunteers. Over the years the Community Woods and Garden has grown and developed in response to the needs for the local community. We now have lovely woodland trails, including a Stickman Trail for the little ones, a flourishing growing space with polytunnels, outdoor veg beds, fruit growing area, a community workshop, an outdoor classroom and a community space with facilities. None of this would be possible without our wonderful team of weekly volunteers. The wellbeing of our volunteer is at the heart of all our activities. We run a varied programme of monthly events which are open to the public and generate some income. 

Easter Breich Community Woodland

Easter Breich Community Woodland is a 30 year old ,80 hectare, mixed species woodland which has been in community ownership since 2022 when it was purchased from the Green Action Trust via a grant from the Scottish Land Fund. 

The wood is bounded to the North by the River Almond and to the East by the Breich Water and has a formed path following the course of these rivers with a number of routes through the centre of the main tree plantation.  The woodland also benefits from a substantial pond which attracts water fowl and other aquatic life.   An abundance of wildlife can be found in the wood including a large variety of wild birds, deer and other mammals. 

The Easter Breich Community Woodland exists for the benefit of all the community, to encourage enjoyment of the outdoors, to provide nature and environmental activities and education and most importantly friendship and companionship through volunteering opportunities especially maintenance activities. 

Beechbrae

Beechbrae was born out of a dream to live more sustainably and tread lightly on the resources we have. We are a woodland based social enterprise and charity that supports people through nature connection. 

Throughout the week we run nature connection programmes for young people (Woodland Wellbeing) and adults (Branching Out & Wellbeing Conservation). We also run Beechbrae Woodland Centre, a multifunctional building with a large hall space, meeting and therapy rooms, and kitchen available for hire. 

Beechbrae holds an orchard, garden, fire circle, 35 acre mixed woodland (mostly planted in 2003) with walking paths, wild pond & wetland haven, labyrinth and Woodland Centre. 

What will the 3-site visit entail? 

Starting at 10am on Wednesday 12th February 2025, we will meet at Community Woods and Garden, Polbeth and West Calder where we will start with a cuppa and then take a short walk around the site exploring the different areas, their uses and how they evolved. There will be lots to explore and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. We should be on site for circa 90 mins. Facilities are available here. 

We’ll then car share the 10 min drive to Easter Breich Wood, as there is limited car parking space. We will walk around the woodland and along some of the Shale Trail on which the woodland sits, and take the opportunity to discuss our projects, plans and share how we support our community. We will be approximately 90 mins on site. Please note there are no facilities at Easter Breich. 

We will then return to West Calder and Polbeth to collect our cars, and drive to Beechbrae  (30-minute journey) where we will start with our lunch (please bring your own lunches with you).  

We’ll explore a few areas in the woods, share about what our days look like, how the site has developed over the years, challenges we face (past, current & future) and the magic that happens in the woods. Facilities are available on site.