Production of the 2025 SWAT Calendar has been completed. Copies can be purchased from:
- ‘The Book Nook‘, High Street, Stewarton – Scotland’s Independent Bookshop of the Year 2024
- ‘The Community Hub’, Rigg Street, Stewarton on Saturday, 26th October between 10 a.m. and midday.
- The SWAT stall in Avenue Square at Stewarton’s Yuletide Evening on Thursday, 21st November from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Works to repair paths are currently in progress, thanks to materials and manpower donated by QTS Group. Affected locations include those shown in the photos below. Please keep an eye out for diversion and warning signs while the works are in progress during October.
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 October 2024 our planned work sessions are the mornings of Sunday 13th and Sunday 27th.
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 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 October page of the SWAT 20th Anniversary (2024) Calendar is sponsored by The Solutions On Demand Group.
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.
Copies of the new 2025 calendar are now available.
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 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
