Blake’s Heaven! F


As projects go, twenty- three years seems a long time, but this is Kim Blake’s ongoing commitment to the ecology and economy at Fulford Heath Golf Club.


Laurence Gale MSc reports 12


ulford Heath Golf Club is a parkland course situated a short distance from Solihull and Birmingham. Designed by James Braid - five times Open winner


and member of the World Golf Hall of Fame - and opened in 1933, this eighteen hole, par 70 course is just over 6,000 yards in length and presents a challenge to golfers of all standards. The River Cole, three lakes and mature


trees feature throughout the course. Particular favourites are the 12th hole where the gentle River Cole presents a constant challenge appearing alongside the fairway as a lateral hazard, whilst the elevated green of the par 3, 16th hole is reached by playing over a stunning lake. It is one of several Midlands courses I have fond memories of; as a teenager back in the 1970s I grew up not far from Fulford Heath, and it provided a wonderful habitat for hide and seek whilst, at the same time, giving us the opportunity to find golf balls, which were sold on for pocket money! The course is renowned for setting a


golfing challenge; not only does the layout of the course, with forty-two strategically placed bunkers and maturing tree-lined fairways, test the golfers’ accuracy, the many grassy meadows and conservation areas also attract a lot of wayward balls. However, the golfers do not mind, as these areas not only provide a burst of colour between June and September, but are also a key wildlife corridor and feeding area for birds and insects. The development of the wildlife


corridors is down to the present Course Manager, Kim Blake, who joined the club in 1988, having had previous experience at Broadway Golf Club and contracting work. It has been a labour of love for Kim, who continues to make steady progress and embrace the ecological requirements of the course. Like most golf clubs, the last few years have been testing times on many fronts; the weather has tested the resolve of both members and greenkeeping staff, and the current economic climate has also influenced the resources available and,


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