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spring update from stewarton woodlands action trust
The weather has certainly taken its
toll on everyone and everything this
winter, not least the woods and paths
in and around Stewarton. SWAT has
had its work cut out trying to keep
the paths clear and safe for users,
and at times it has been an uphill
struggle!
After the first high winds of the season,
there was a large amount of damage
done in Lainshaw Woods, along the
Fisherman’s path, on Anderson’s Mount
(also known as the Wendy Woods), and
also along the Plantation Path which runs
parallel to the Kilwinning Road. Several
trees were blown over, blocking the paths
for a while until SWAT members could
take action to clear them. Some of the
trees proved too large for the equipment
available, but several Stewarton residents
with the necessary equipment and knowhow helped out to ensure that walkers
didn’t have to clamber over tree trunks in
order to walk a circular route.
As if the winds weren’t bad enough, along
came the floods, making conditions
underfoot very difficult at times, and
doing significant damage to paths and
especially the Fisherman’s Steps, where a
lot of the hardcore was swept away by the
temporary waterfall that cascaded down
them! SWAT members did their best to
repair the steps, but they may need to be
professionally done in the near future to
reinstate them to their original condition.
FLOODED FISHERMAN’S STEPS
FALLEN TREES OVER FISHERMAN’S PATH
Plans for providing a proper path from
Kirkford to the Viaduct (which would
complete the circular path route around
Stewarton) are still ongoing, due to
the miles of “red tape” that SWAT
encounters. Despite access to funding,
issues with land ownership have proved
difficult, but we are ever hopeful that the
path will eventually materialise.
As ever, SWAT is looking to recruit
new members. Not only do we require
practical skills (or enthusiasm)
for helping out on workdays, but
anyone with marketing, PR or IT
skills would be very useful too. For
more information see the website
www.stewartonwoodlands.co.uk or
visit our Facebook page for regular
updates of what is happening.
Enquiries can also be sent to
[email protected].