germination. To further encourage wildlife, such as butterflies, bees and birds, and because there are rare fungi growing, there are no weedkillers or fungicides used on these areas. In addition to this, Simon is currently using a ‘compost tea’ on other areas of the golf course with the aim of reducing fungicides across the whole area.


The wildflower areas have flourished due to the efforts of the greenkeeping team at Pyecombe, and the course now has an array of wildflowers growing in abundance including:


• Cowslip (Primula veris) • Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula)


• Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis)


• Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria), • Ragged Robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi) • Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) • Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia) • Devil’s Bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis) • Greater Knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa) • Dog Violet (Viola riviniana)


• Germander Speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys)


• Western Gorse (Ulex gallii) • European Gorse (Ulex europaeus) • Heather (Calluna vulgaris)


Once the decision had been made to convert the rough areas to wildflowers, Simon contacted STRI for advice. “They


were a great help, they sent a representative to visit who provided a full report and an action plan to assist us reach our goals. They returned to check our progress and offered more advice and assistance. Prior to this, we had followed


A hay rake is used to clear up debris Other rough areas of the course


are maintained annually by a local farmer who cuts the vegetation and then bales it for easy removal, usually at the end of the summer. During February or March, Simon


Bank Commander in use on rough


the South Downs Ranger’s five year action plan which helped us initially and from which we have reaped the benefits.” The greenkeeping team have also been


regenerating heather in certain areas around the course. The heather was already well-established so, in order to encourage further growth, turf around the existing plants was removed and seeds were spread out.


hires an Amazone scarifier for his tractor and scarifies the areas to remove the deep-rooted moss and thatch and promote healthy growth,


which further reduces the nutrients available in the soil. Simon and his greenkeepers have been


awarded various accreditations, including The English Golf Environment Award for Commitment to Ecological Good Practice, and have been Highly Commended twice in the STRI Golf Environment Competition.


Devil’s Bit Scabious


Greater Knapweed


Harebell


Pyramid Orchid


Ragged Robin


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