Ailsa Swan began her scientific career in the area of chemistry. She was later and active member of the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria, the Bird Observers Club of Australia and was founding member of the Phillip Island Conservation Society. Her passion for nature conservation led to Swan becoming an expert in planning laws. She made submissions, prepared material and appeared at hearings of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, representing the Bird Observers Club of Australia, the Phillip Island Conservation Society and Environment Victoria (formerly the Conservation Council of Victoria).