Thanks to the local businesses and individuals who have sponsored our upcoming SWAT 2027 calendar. It is much appreciated. The new calendar will be available to purchase later in the year, including at the annual Stewarton Yuletide Evening Event. Calendar sales are an important part of SWAT’s fund-raising activities to support its projects and woodland management activities.
Please visit our Posts page for details of other recent announcements.
Woodland Management 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.
For the full programme of SWAT’s scheduled work sessions in 2026, please see our Workdays 2026 post.
Tasks undertaken during work sessions in the past twelve months have included:
- clearing up fallen trees and branches where these pose a danger or block woodland paths
- planting trees and maintaining previous tree-planting sites in collaboration with local landowners
- carrying out planting with the aim of slowing riverbank erosion
- unblocking and maintaining drainage channels affecting woodland paths
- litter picking
- maintaining paths in woodland areas
- cutting back overhanging branches and vegetation impinging on woodland paths
- managing non-native, invasive plants
Membership
Please get in touch if you would be interested in becoming a member of SWAT and getting involved in future activities.
Social
The SWAT Summer 2026 Barbecue for volunteers is planned for mid-August.
Fundraising
SWAT is grateful to the local businesses and organizations that have sponsored pages in the charity’s upcoming 2027 calendar. Calendar sales are an important part of SWAT’s fund-raising activities to support its projects and woodland management activities.
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.
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, where appropriate, informing you of the location of the nearest in-service defibrillator.
Activities from Previous Work Sessions
