SWAT will have a stall in Avenue Square at Stewarton’s Yuletide Evening on Thursday, 21st November from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 2025 Calendars, bird nest boxes and other items will be available for sale to raise funds for the charity.
The SWAT 2025 Calendar is also available from ‘The Book Nook‘, High Street, Stewarton – Scotland’s Independent Bookshop of the Year 2024. Copies are priced at £6.
Some works to repair paths in Lainshaw Woods were completed recently, thanks to materials and manpower donated by QTS Group.
Please visit our Posts page for details of other recent announcements.
2024 marks the twentieth year that Stewarton Woodlands Action Trust (SWAT) has been working towards its official aims of:
- conserving, regenerating and promoting the restoration of predominantly native woodlands in and around Stewarton
- advancing education for the public benefit concerning the local natural environment
Woodland Management
Regular Work Sessions
In November and December 2024 our planned work sessions are the Sunday mornings of 10th November, 24th November, 8th December and 22nd December. The latter session may be re-arranged subject to the availability of volunteers over the festive season.
Recent work sessions have involved:
- planting trees and maintaining previous tree-planting sites
- clearing up fallen trees and branches
- unblocking drainage channels
- litter picking
- cutting back overhanging branches and vegetation impinging on footpaths
Volunteering
Please get in touch if you would be interested in getting involved in future SWAT activities.
We’re glad to currently have the help of three recently-joined, local volunteers who are getting involved as part of their work towards achieving Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
Social
The 2025 Christmas Dinner for SWAT volunteers is currently in planning.
Fundraising
The November page of the SWAT 2024 Calendar has been sponsored by Indulge Nail and Beauty Parlour of 17a Main Street, Stewarton.
The December page has been sponsored by Update Boutique of 11 Main Street, Stewarton, a local stockist of ladies fashions, accessories and gifts.
A full list of the 2024 calendar sponsors and their contact details can be found on the Supporters Page and, of course, in the calendar itself.
The new SWAT 2025 calendar is now available. You can buy a copy at Stewarton’s Yuletide Evening or by popping into ‘The Book Nook‘, High Street.
Community Updates
A 24/7 Public Access Defibrillator is now installed in the vicinity of Lainshaw Woods. Find out more here.
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 a non-native, invasive weed in Scotland.
Activities from Previous Work Sessions
