Festive greetings and best wishes for 2026 to all of our members and supporters.
In January 2026, our planned work sessions are scheduled for the mornings of:
- Sunday 11th January
- Sunday 25th January
The SWAT 2026 Calendar is now available.
Please visit our Posts page for details of other recent announcements.
Woodland Management
Regular Work Sessions
Our regular work sessions are scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Sunday mornings of each month. The dates are highlighted on the SWAT Calendar. The work sessions are normally from 09.30 to 11.30 a.m., followed by refreshments at the SWAT shipping containers in Lainshaw Woods.
Tasks undertaken during work sessions in the past twelve months have included:
- planting trees and maintaining previous tree-planting sites in collaboration with local landowners
- clearing up fallen trees and branches where these pose a danger or block woodland paths
- unblocking and maintaining drainage channels affecting woodland paths
- managing non-native, invasive plants
- litter picking
- maintaining paths in woodland areas
- cutting back overhanging branches and vegetation impinging on woodland paths
Membership
Please get in touch if you would be interested in becoming a member of SWAT and getting involved in future activities.
Recently, we’ve been glad to have the help of local volunteers who got involved as part of their work towards achieving Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
Social
On the morning of Sunday, 8th December 2024, we welcomed SWAT Members and visitors to Lainshaw Woods to help us toast 20 Years of SWAT’s existence.
The SWAT Summer 2025 Barbecue was held on 16th August and was a great success.
SWAT Members recently had a very enjoyable 2025 Christmas Dinner at The Mill House, Stewarton.
Fundraising
SWAT is grateful to the local businesses and organizations that have sponsored pages in the charity’s 2026 calendar.
Thanks to everyone who supported us at the Stewarton Yuletide Evening Event on Thursday, 20th November 2025.
Community Updates
A 24/7 Public Access Defibrillator is now installed in the vicinity of Lainshaw Woods. Find out more here.
If you witness a cardiac arrest you should call 999 immediately and the ambulance service can provide you with assistance, including informing you of the location of the nearest in-service defibrillator.
Invasive, Non-Native Plants in Lainshaw Woods
Giant Hogweed is a dangerous invasive species that produces toxic sap. All parts of the plant should be avoided. We have produced an updated Giant Hogweed Identification Poster. Distribution of Giant Hogweed in the UK is widespread. It is often found near rivers and other watercourses. Around Stewarton, it is mainly found on or near the banks of the Clerkland Burn and Annick Water. In addition to the information provided here and on the NNSS website, you can find a useful video summary published on Instagram by Danielle Gallacher.
Japanese Knotweed is highly invasive and can quickly crowd out native plant species. Once established, it is difficult to eradicate. Several stands of Japanese Knotweed are present in Lainshaw Woods including on the slope below The Viewpoint.
Rhododendron Ponticum is the only species of rhododendron that is officially designated as an non-native, invasive weed in Scotland. SWAT controls specimens of Rhododendron Ponticum in Lainshaw Woods by digging them up and then destroying them safely by burning.
Activities from Previous Work Sessions
Strong gales in early 2024 resulted in a number of mature trees being blown down around Stewarton. Our members have assisted with clearing fallen trees from the paths and nature trail in Lainshaw Woods.
Some of the woodland path repairs last year were completed with the help of materials and manpower donated by QTS Group.
