LeadburnWood

Friends of Leadburn Community Woodland

Friends of Leadburn Community Woodland (FLCW) was formed in July 2005 and is a registered Scottish charity (SC037052). The Woodland was purchased from Forestry Scotland in 2007 and was formally opened in April of that year by Jeremy Purvis MSP. An additional block of woodland was acquired in March 2019.

Leadburn Wood is an area of former conifer plantation. Most of the original 44 hectares was clear felled in 2001-2. A further 9 hectares of mainly standing timber was purchased in 2019. Across the area, we are creating a pleasant and varied location for community use. We have planted native tree species, restored two raised bogs, created large ponds, and retained some open areas. This is described on our other pages.

Where to find us

Leadburn Woodland is located 12 miles south of Edinburgh, and four miles south of Penicuik. The site lies at the southern limit of the Esk Valley, between the Pentland Hills to the north west, and the Moorfoot Hills to the south east. The Woodland is at a central point between the rural communities of Eddleston, Howgate, and Lamancha.

The woodland is most easily accessed from a layby situated 1 km south of Leadburn village, just off the A703 (OS NT236544). Visitors arriving by car are asked to park here.

Visitors on foot are welcome. Two disused railway lines cross the site and provide easy access paths. Additional footpaths are shown on our welcome sign near the entrance to the woodland and allow visitors to explore further, but the ground is often boggy and difficult away from the path network. Dogs are welcome, but owners are asked to keep them under good control, respecting other woodland users and wildlife, and removing their droppings.

Unauthorised motorised vehicles are not allowed, except for those needed to allow disabled access. Bicycles are not encouraged away from the main railway lines.