Conservation & Ecology
Willow Warbler with nesting material
“A flock of fifty individuals can, theoretically, produce 360,000 aeration holes per hour on a stretch of
fairway, clearing most of the pests that are present”
Conservation Matters Battling the Balsam
Pied Wagtails are happy to associate with humans
programme. So, a flock of fifty individuals can, theoretically, produce 360,000 aeration holes per hour on a stretch of fairway, clearing most of the pests that are present. In addition, each of the aeration holes formed by a starling’s probing is further broadened due to a very specialised trait that is unique within the avian kingdom, where their jaw muscles work in a completely different way to all other birds. Here, instead of using most of their jaw power to clamp the bill shut on their chosen prey, they use these muscles to spring the bill open, further widening the probed ground to expose hidden prey and increasing the benefits of aeration within the turf. There are other species that rely heavily on closely cropped turf in which to forage that are regularly encountered within the golf course environment. They may not have as much of a benefit to the greenkeeper as the previous species
However, the window of opportunity for tackling the invasive Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is now, proverbially, wide open and action needs to be taken quickly if you are to prevent its spread on your course.
Invasive weeds, such as Himalayan Balsam, are a threat to high quality habitats throughout the UK and can quickly destroy all the good work that is performed on a golf course. It is a non-native (obviously coming from the Himalayas of southern China), invasive, introduced plant in the UK which has escaped from Victorian gardens and into the wider environment. It is an annual plant growing to about 2m, with purplish-pink slipper shaped flowers from June to August.
SUMMER is now upon us and, with the growing season now in full swing, all greenkeepers are at their busiest time of year keeping the course well manicured and maintained.
In my experience, ecological initiatives take a back seat during this time, which allows us to keep up with the general greenkeeping activities involved in presenting the best course possible to the people who play.
48 PC JUNE/JULY 2013
Considered a big problem in the UK, it spreads rapidly across both wet and dry ground and grows in dense stands that suppress the growth of native flora. The mature seed pods explode when touched, scattering the seed, which is further dispersed by water or the activities of people, including golfers searching for that stray ball.
Himalayan Balsam is one of over thirty new additions to Schedule 9 of Wildlife and
discussed, but are important all the same in the wider diversity of the golf course. Such species are Black-headed Gull,
Oystercatcher, Skylark, Meadow Pipit and Wheatear to name a few. Wheatear, for example, are small passage migrants to most golf courses that pass through during migration periods (March to May and August/September), coming from South Africa to the uplands of Britain and beyond. It has had identified range contractions from lowland Britain since 1968-72, perhaps due to losses of suitable grassland and declines in rabbit abundance. Look for their ‘white arses’ (from which they get their name) as they fly away from you during these passage times. The white arse alludes to the flashy white rump, which contrasts with the black wings and tail-tip and grey back. To finish off, I thought it may be worthy of a mention of a bird that actively seeks out the greenkeeper as he/she goes about their cutting regime,
Countryside Act (1981). The amendment came into force as of the 6th of April 2010, which now means it is illegal to allow spread of the proscribed weeds onto neighbouring land. If you have any invasive weeds listed on Schedule 9 near the border of your land take immediate steps to control it.
Methods of Eradication
Eradication of Himalayan Balsam should ideally be performed in June or July when the plants are big enough to handle and before the plants have set seed. It is important that you do not disturb plants if seedpods are visible to prevent further additional spread - normally, this is sometime after late June but, with this year’s late spring, seed pods will be developing later than normal.
There are two suggested methods of removal that relate to different stages in the plants dominance within the habitat. Unfortunately, there are no selective weedkilling products for this plant, so there is no quick fix, and spraying the infected areas with weedkiller products will remove all vegetation, so is not recommended.
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