THE PEOPLE of Troon have shown real community spirit and joined forces to help save their woodland.

Over the past few years, the water level in and around the Fullarton Woods in Troon has been on the rise due to water logging, preventing children and adults from visiting and dogs are regularly swimming in muddy water.

Some parts of the woodland did not dry out last summer because of these issues and because of this, the life of the trees and plants are in danger of dying.

However, the Friends of Fullarton (FoF) led the effort to ease the flooding and lots of locals helped along the way. 

Crawford Young of FoF, said: "CCL of Troon generously donated the money allowing the large digger to be hired and many people came along to help clear trees and bushes from the burn to allow the digger access to the Darley Burn along the back of Hunter Crescent. 

"Some of the young willow shoots that have been removed from the burn to aid the digger's access will be given to the Ayrshire Rivers Trust for use in their projects.

"With a volunteer member driving the digger and some keen helpers, the accumulated silt and sediment was soon shifted. 

"By the end of the first day of work the water was already flowing faster and the water trapped within the woodland was already draining out.

"The drainage project was just the start of managing the water flows in and around the woodland.

"The work will result in the woodland being accessible to more people and allowing replanting of the lost trees."

Mike Newall, Head of Neighbourhood Services at South Ayrshire Council, said: “We will continue to work with our partners including the Friends of Fullerton to find a long term solution to the drainage issue.”

To become involved in this project and other woodland projects like it please contact the Friends of Fullarton through www.friendsoffullarton.co.uk