Giant Hogweed Alert

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Giant Hogweed is a non-native, invasive plant whose toxic sap can be extremely harmful. It is important to avoid touching all parts of the plant. Giant Hogweed plants are often found near watercourses including the Clerkland Burn, Annick Water and other local burns and streams. Check your knowledge of Giant Hogweed and other local, non-native … Read more

20th Anniversary

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Founded in 2004, Stewarton Woodlands Action Trust will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Sunday, 21st July. Test your knowledge of the organisation by completing our 20th Anniversary Quiz.

Duke of Edinburgh Awards

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SWAT is pleased to welcome three new teenage volunteers who are working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Awards. The volunteers will be involved in carrying out woodland and estate management tasks under supervision.

Sewer Flooding Project Update

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Since May 2023, Scottish Water has been carrying out a project to alleviate sewer flooding in and around David Dale Avenue in Stewarton, East Ayrshire. The first phase of the works has included felling and replanting of trees in Lainshaw Woods. Find out more at David Dale Avenue – Scottish Water. Further works in the … Read more

Defibrillator Installed

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In addition to its official charitable purposes, SWAT strives to maintain Lainshaw Woods and surrounding areas so that the wider community can benefit by having safe access for recreation and exercise. Recently, as part of the East Ayrshire Council Community Defibrillator Initiative, SWAT obtained a 24/7 Public Access Defibrillator (PAD). The PAD is located on the roadway-facing … Read more

First Aid Training for SWAT Volunteers

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Five SWAT volunteers recently attained the SCQF Level 6 Award for Emergency First Aid at Work. The training covered how to assess an incident and how to provide appropriate first aid in the following situations:

Tree Planting Programme

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SWAT’s latest tree-planting programme, ‘Let Stewarton Breathe’, is now underway. In the first phase, native species will be planted around Stewarton in four locations agreed with the local Council.

Local Photographer’s SWAT Project

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Over several months, Cara Smillie, a Stewarton-based photographer and videographer, has observed the activities of SWAT volunteers in and around the local area. Cara’s images of the group and local woodland landscapes have been compiled into a book. You can see samples of Cara’s work on Instagram.