History
Our beginnings
Our story of community action starts in 2017. Many people were aware of the huge impact plastics and litter have on the marine ecosystem and so, when a beach cleanup was organised that summer around 60 people participated. The group cleared many bags of rubbish from the beach but the event highlighted that there was much more to do. This collective effort showed how much enthusiasm there was locally for addressing issues affecting our environment.
The movement grows
Naturally; a Facebook group was formed and more clean-ups and community information events were organised. These community actions brought people together from Skelmorlie and beyond who began to connect with each other and share their interests and skills.
Unfortunately, the pandemic put a lengthy stop to organised events but it failed to dampen down people’s desire to get together to tackle problems.
Formalising our efforts
In August 2022 Nick Hobson began gathering a more formal group together under the banner of Skelmorlie Environment Trust. The initial group members were united in wanting to develop positive community activity. They consulted locally to identify a project and started meeting once a month to help clear an area of invasive species from council-owned land in the village.
The small project has been well supported with people turning up, whatever the weather for these monthly events. In December 2022 we had our first AGM in the local Tennis Club and agreed on our group aims, constitution and committee.
Aims
- To conserve and improve the environment of Skelmorlie.
- To promote Community interaction and participation in enhancing and improving the natural assets of the village for all.
- To protect and re-establish native woodland areas within the area, encourage biodiversity and raise awareness of the special characteristics of the village and its surroundings.
Values
To operate with transparency and inclusivity.
Projects
Skelmorlie Crescent North
Our first project addresses some neglected land in the middle of the village. The area has become overgrown with non-native invasive species and is inaccessible for public use. In line with the aims of North Ayrshire Council, we aim to remove invasive species and improve the area for access.
Kelly Wood
Kelly wood is an amazing wood, well-used and loved by the residents of Skelmorlie and Wemyss Bay. It straddles both Inverclyde and North Ayrshire to the North of the village. Importantly the wood is a fragment of ancient woodland. Scotland has an Ancient Woodland Inventory which you can find online.
In Scotland, ancient woodland is defined as land that is currently wooded and has been continually wooded for hundreds of years, mapping evidence for these areas existing since 1750. Its age means that it is important for biodiversity and our cultural identity.
Much of Scotland used to be covered in forest. Today, native woodland covers just 4% of the total land area.
Nature Scot – Scotlands Nature Agency
The group is looking at ways we can understand more about Kelly Woods. We are interested in promoting its value to our community, in working with other groups to find the best ways to protect this important space and in finding ways to involve people locally in its preservation. Find our more about our Kelly Woods project.
Skelmorlie Community Trees
In early 2024 we were awarded a grant to plant heritage variety fruit trees in Skelmorlie:
Community Information Events
The group is looking at creative ways to engage with people and provide trusted information. We will be working with other groups to share expertise and hosting talks and information sessions at events throughout the year. Events will be advertised locally at the shop, library, community centre and school as well as on social media, WhatsApp and this website.
Committee
Chairperson – Nick Hobson
Nick Hobson is a Self Employed Architect and Surveyor for the Scottish Government Annual House Condition Surveys. Before becoming self-employed Nick worked on delivering Social Housing projects in Glasgow.
An engaged and interested citizen of Skelmorlie, he has participated in many local groups and ran for local office in 2022. He was a founding member of Skelmorlie Environment Trust and was re-elected as chairperson in 2023.
Secretary – Simon Dell
Simon Dell is an active member of the community, running our well-known and respected book shop at Friends of Wemyss Bay Station as well as helping with set building at the Attic Players. He has helped out at many Skelmorlie Environment Trust events before becoming a committee member in 2023.
Treasurer – Andrew Brown
After being an active participant at many events and a keen supporter of Skelmorlie Environment Trust, Andrew happily took the role of Treasurer in 2023. Andrew has previously been treasurer with Skelmorlie Playgroup.
Fundraising & Community Engagement – Rachel McLean
Rachel McLean has over 20 years of experience supporting people in their recovery from mental health and substance use problems and is keen to participate in the development of sustainable, resilient and supportive communities. Rachel was a founding member and started out as secretary before being elected into a new role in 2023.
Communications & IT Support – Naomi Spirit-Hawthorne
Naomi Spirit-Hawthorne is a web developer, specialising in low-carbon websites. She runs a blog on being eco-conscious and is engaged in eco-activism including developing petitions which have been discussed at parliament. She has a keen interest in horticulture, forests, the environment and preserving the natural world. One of the founding members, beginning in a role of treasurer, she moved to a new role in 2023 when the committee expanded.
