Conservation & Ecology
Untreated rough at Bowood
playability, but will look to do alongside all the fairways for consistency,” he said. Managing the rough alongside the
fairways in this manner would also create corridors for wildlife that will link up other environmental features on the course, including extensive woodland and water features. A managed strip three- metres wide along each side of the fairways amounts to nearly five hectares of valuable habitat across the course - an area ecologists calculate would have a significant beneficial impact on local bumblebee and pollinating insect numbers. Initially, Jaey, along with Deputy Head
Greenkeeper and ecology specialist, Sam Day, will monitor what wildflower species regenerate successfully from the original sowings, along with the insect species that are seen around the course over the coming seasons. Additional wildflower seeds can be sown in subsequent years, after the scarification, as part of the annual management process. “With these techniques, we have the opportunity to produce a better course for players, manage costs more effectively and create a more attractive environmental asset.”
Golf pro’s view
Bowood PGA Head Professional, Paul McLean, added: “The playing quality of the course is undoubtedly the imperative factor for most golfers, but improving playability will also bring environmental and design enhancements that will benefit for all involved.”
He highlighted that today’s golfers are demanding faster rounds and are increasingly frustrated by delays caused by slow play. “Most players are intimidated by the dense rough and the fear of straying off the fairway; even low handicap golfers are forced to play more conservatively.” "It is an exciting proposition if we can ultimately create a challenging course design with more open, thin rough where golfers will not be unduly penalised by thick, dense rough. The work being undertaken by Jaey and the greenkeeping team is integral in providing great golf surfaces, and a wonderful environment in which to play.”
124 PC OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013
Treated rough at Bowood
Bumblebee on trefoil Study reveals insect life on course
GOLF courses provide an essential haven for some of the UK’s most endangered insect species and, potentially, hold the key to restoring populations of essential pollinating insects. A new study, to provide a scientific approach to pollinator conservation efforts on golf courses, has revealed some fascinating finds. The extensive study, by leading independent entomologist and ecologist, Mike Edwards, on some of the golf courses involved in the Operation Pollinator initiative across the UK, has catalogued the diversity of insect species present, and the habitat potential to increase both the numbers and range of insect species. Commenting on the study’s results, Mr Edwards highlighted that, whilst some individual golf clubs already have areas of outstanding interest for wildlife, there remains a large number where the potential to make a real contribution had yet to be realised.
“Many of the older clubs have areas that reflect the sort of countryside that was present before modern agricultural production became established. All too often, however, these areas have, sadly, been unmanaged and of limited ecological value,” he said. “Providing expertise and support in restoring such flower-rich grasslands can make a major contribution to the conservation of our flora and fauna.”
For example, the discovery of the Large Garden Bumblebee (Bombus ruderatus) on Rutland County Golf Club was especially exciting, since the species was considered on the verge of extinction just a few years ago - with no records in the area since 1994. However, when Operation Pollinator habitat had been created on farmland over the previous decade, B ruderatus was again rediscovered from the point of extinction,
AUTUMN RESCUE OPPORTUNITY
Rescue should be applied whilst the coarse grasses are actively growing, to aid uptake of the systemic herbicide. Extensive research and user trials have shown high levels of kill can be achieved with well- timed autumn applications. The added advantage of autumn application is that the plants are naturally senescing, which limits the visual impact of treatments.
Rescue is approved for use at the rate of 1.0 l/ha in the autumn, with optimum
and is
successfully on the way back to recovering its former distribution.
“It is a classic case of when you put the habitat back, bumblebees and other pollinating insects are given the chance to recover,” he advised. The club’s Head Greenkeeper, Jamie Goddard said: “The fact that we already have the incredible find of the rare Bombus ruderatus on the course highlights the ecological value of golf courses. Now, we can actively manage areas to make them even more attractive for bumblebees and other pollinators.”
The club has instigated a three-year plan for the establishment of dedicated wildflower habitats and management of rough.
Mike Edwards continued: “Increasing the floral diversity has been shown, time and time again, to result in more insects and a greater diversity of species; golf courses will be no different. It can be the start of a very important journey.”
results achieved using the Syngenta XC Foliar Nozzle to minimise the effect of undulations or variable vegetation height and to achieve all round coverage of the leaf; applying in a water volume of 250- 300 l/ha.
Sprayer operators are reminded to set the nozzle height at 50cm above the target, which may be 15-20cm above the ground when spraying rough.
Rescue (MAPP no. 14518) may be purchased from the Pitchcare shop.
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