Bankhead Moss is a relatively rare example in the east of Scotland of a raised bog.  The Moss is a wet acid heath, and has a number of species of Sphagnum moss.  Over the centuries, peat has accumulated to a depth of 7m, so that the Moss forms a dome.  The surrounding, lower ground is mostly marshy.  The southern part of the dome is less clearly defined, and there is mature mixed woodland on the drier, higher ground here.  North and west of the dome is mature birch woodland, including a small area of fen.  At the edge of this woodland, there is a bird hide, overlooking a large marsh.