Conservation & Ecology Tips for a more natural course
1.Look at the areas currently being maintained. Are there any spaces where rough ecological grassland, shrubs and trees could be introduced or expanded?
2.Look out for non-native species. Could you introduce local indigenous species in their place for a more natural feel and a more unique sense of place? Native species (especially plants) require less water and are easier to establish and maintain. Foreign and invasive species can easily outcompete indigenous ones and severely restrict biodiversity and the functioning of ecosystems.
3.Look at the edges. The fringes of golf holes, individual habitats and the course boundaries are where some of the most visible, interesting and ecologically rich areas are. Could you design woodland, grassland and wetland edges differently to provide more colour, texture and ecological diversity?
4.Keep a close eye on the species and habitats around
your site - monitor numbers and record their condition as an indicator of ecosystem health resulting from positive, sustainable land management. Knowing approximately what you’ve got, and where, can help in the assessment and targeting of specific improvement plans.
5.Think about the individual species of wildlife on your course - mammals, birds, amphibians, insects, wildflowers and other plants - and what you could do for each. The internet has a wealth of site-specific best practice examples to help you.
6.Think about the quality of habitats - woodlands, grasslands, wetlands etc - that allow the ecology to thrive on your golf course. Could you improve the diversity, structure, size and connection of each one for better functioning ecosystems? The GEO OnCourse™ programme also gives a number of examples of things you could do.
7.Create an environmental management plan with timescales, staff allocation and detailed conservation and enhancement activities based on
current best management practices. This will increase the local biodiversity, allow it to cope better with sudden environmental changes, and adapt to climate change with fewer pressures.
8.Create maps of your site showing the major habitats and vegetation types. Understand any legal designations or protections that apply to them. Train staff to avoid or manage them appropriately. Educate members, visitors and the community on your site’s ecological value and how this protects the quality of the golf course.
9.Ask for help. Who could better help you understand and record the biodiversity of your course? Consider your members, community groups, academic institutions, local and national government and non- government organisations (NGOs).
Discover more at:
http://www.golfenvironment.org/about/ sustainable-golf/landscape-ecosystems
conservation, as part of their stable and managed functioning of green spaces”
“Golf facilities can help bring a genuine, meaningful contribution to biodiversity and ecosystem
The Enville Golf Club, West Midlands
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