Deans Wood
Livingston
Woodland Trust wood
Size:
16.27 ha (40.20 acres)
Grid reference:
NT028693
Map reference:
Explorer 349
OS Landranger 65
Situated close to housing on the edge of Livingston, Deans Wood consists of six woodland blocks and offers amazing views over the town. A magnet for birds, the woodland is vital for local biodiversity as it contains reserves of natural flora within an urban environment
Features
- Parking nearby
- Public access
How to get to Deans Wood
Deans Wood is on the northern edge of Livingston, between the M8 and Deans.
From Edinburgh, head west along the A71 and join the M8 at junction 1. At junction 3, exit onto the A899 (Livingston Road) towards Livingston.
Take the exit for Eliburn/Ladywell/Knightsridge/Livingston, and at the roundabout take the third exit onto Houston Road. At the next roundabout take the third exit onto Deans North Road, which is adjacent to one of the blocks of woodland.
The nearest train station is Livingston North, around 1.2km (0.7 miles) from the wood.
Visit National Rail for more information.
The nearest bus stops are on Deans North Road, adjacent to the southern entrance of one of the blocks, and on Deans East Road, around 200 metres (220 yards) from the nearest block.
Visit Traveline Scotland for more information and timetables.
Facilities and access
The six woodland blocks are accessible from the surrounding suburban roads and pavement network, centred around Woodlands Park. Each block has plenty of entrances that are mostly barrier-free.
Paths within the blocks link into a wider path network throughout Livingston. Some paths, including the Loan Path, also connect to North Wood (managed by the Woodland Trust Scotland), which lies to the north of the M8, as well as to the local hill of Dechmont Law and other public open spaces. Woodland paths are unsurfaced and can be muddy in places.
There is no public car park, but roadside parking is possible on nearby roads. Middlewood Park has ample on-street parking.
The nearest public toilet is in Carmondean Shopping Centre (Morrisons' car park), Deans, around 1km (0.6 miles) from the woods. There are disabled facilities requiring a RADAR key open 24 hours.
Wildlife and habitats
Animals
Deans Wood is brimming with birds and small mammals, thanks to its vast range of tree species which these creatures call home.
Look out for:
Trees, plants and fungi
With a mix of broadleaf trees and a variety of woody shrubs, there is plenty of plant life to see at Deans Wood.
Look out for:
Habitats
Made up of six woodland blocks, Deans Wood consists of mixed woodland, grassland and areas of planting.
Explore:
About Deans Wood
History
Deans Wood takes its name from its location in the Deans area of Livingston. The woods appear on the 1860 OS map and are classified as ‘long-established woods of plantation origin’. Additional planting by the Livingston Development Corporation during the 20th century has helped buffer the woods. The Corporation gifted the woods to the Woodland Trust in 1996.
The easterly blocks of Deans Wood were once part of the grounds of Dechmont House, built in 1863 but since demolished. The stone gate posts that can still be seen at Woodlands Park once formed the entrance to the house.
Folklore
In 1979, forestry worker Bob Taylor claimed he had an encounter with a UFO on the nearby hill of Dechmont Law. A police investigation found odd indentations in the ground and the alleged encounter became known as the ‘Livingston incident’.
Things to do in Deans Wood
Visiting woods
Walking dogs in our woods
Dogs are welcome for walkies in our woods. Take a look at our tips and guidelines for ensuring we keep our woods safe and special for dogs and wildlife.
Visiting woods
Events
Discover events at our woods and the festivals and fairs you can find us at soon.
Visiting woods
Things to do in the woods
Go on an adventure. Get closer to nature. Uncover history. Discover ways to explore the UK's woods whatever the season.
