birds and the successful introduction of non-indigenous and rare species, as well as its sustainable populations of water-dwelling mammals, is proof of a successful programme of grounds management. “We know if we’re doing a good job or not because the success of wildlife will tell us,” says James. “The thriving water vole population is a guide to how well maintained and pure the water is here.”
But the strong focus on wildlife conservation and environment in turn presents challenges for James Smith, who, on a tight budget and in the knowledge that pesticides should be shunned if at all possible, has discovered some novel, and highly successful methods of controlling pests without aggressive means on grass repairs.
“I found that applying chilli powder or black pepper where there was evidence of rabbit activity serves as an effective deterrent. They don’t like new foods, so if they taste something they either don’t like or that isn’t familiar to them, they will not return. But the key is to rotate the foods you put down.”
The spice wars have also spread to that other perennial pariah - grey squirrels, which persist in devouring the bird food laid down. “They do not like the taste but the birds are unaffected.” Foxes are often a problem for golf courses and estates but the team relies on their years of knowledge to steer them to a sustainable solution, James McConkie explains. “Many big estates have focused
programmes to keep numbers down but, for us, we find it better to leave them alone. If you kill the master fox, this will cause numbers to rise dramatically as rival males try to take its place. We know the foxes, they know they have a ready food supply, so we’ve got the balance just right, we believe.”
An insight into wildlife and an understanding of their habits can help to solve the problems inflicted on the turf. He believes that having such knowledge can ensure grounds teams are well prepared and save them money to boot. “Leatherjackets are a major
problem for us, as our land seems to be particularly attractive to them. Our policy for dealing with insects and such like is definitely a more traditional, back to basics one, not relying on too many chemicals or pesticides.”
Glow worms present at Leeds
provide a case in point. “Some larvae live on a three-year cycle so one might be fooled into thinking the problem is solved, only to discover a resurgence after a couple of years. You need to understand the lifecycle if you want to control them.” The team work on gaining greater insight into the ecology of the site by working closely with local and regional environmental groups, who can guide and inform on how best to
Perfecting Play
CAMPEY TURF CARE SYSTEMS Marton,
Macclesfield Cheshire SK11 9HG
Tel: +44 (0)1260 224568 Fax: +44 (0)1260 224791 Email:
info@campeyturfcare.com
www.campeyturfcare.com 23
FROM THE UK'S LARGEST INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR
tend and nurture native and rare species. Most recent is their tie-up with Medway Valley Countryside Partnership and the Environment Agency. “We’re keen to glean the right information about wildlife,” says James McConkie. “By arming ourselves with knowledge, we’re well positioned to apply successfully for financial help and grants, something we rely on to continue our environmental work.” Applying for funding can often be a fraught process, as the upkeep of such an aged edifice as Leeds Castle can throw up surprises, as well as costly specialist building works. “We generally prefer to go for smaller grants which you can see a quick result from. Rather than go for a large investment, we prefer to secure three smaller projects a year that we know we can turn around quickly,” he explains. “You only get one shot at the big money so we want to save it for a time when something really significant needs to
be done.”
Despite the constant challenges of managing such a large estate, he remains devoutly passionate about his role at Leeds. When asked what he does for leisure, he replies without a moment’s pause: “This is my leisure. I get to spend my days in a setting like this. What more could I want - being able to live on site and enjoy the perks that the after-hours bring, makes the hard work pale into insignificance. “I have a two-year-old son, so a castle is a lovely place to raise him - and I have the privilege of literally having the keys to the castle when everyone goes home. I’m also fortunate enough to witness things most people never get the chance to. Watching and recording a rare species of bat roost was special for me. Moments like this you rarely capture in other jobs.”
Images © Leeds Castle and speedmediaone
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