Conservation & Ecology


A recent survey found that seventy percent of golfers would like to see environmental initiatives introduced at their club. In this article, the RSPB’s Sarah Woods offers a few suggestions to get the ball rolling


Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella)


Create an Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos)


Nature, published last year revealed that over 60% of 3,000 species studied had declined since the 1950s. Some were even found to be in danger of becoming locally extinct, and disappearing from our shores altogether. Species in trouble aren’t always obscure


W Woodlark (Lullula arborea) “ 94 I PC APRIL/MAY 2014


More and more, golf course managers are considering wildlife in their plans


beetles or rare orchids, but include wildlife we’re probably all familiar with; birds like yellowhammers and song thrushes. Insect species, including some ladybirds, bees and butterflies, are declining, hedgehog numbers have been steadily dropping, and studies show that, in sixteen UK counties, one species of plant becomes extinct every year. In an effort to try and counter these


declines, the RSPB launched a major new campaign in 2013 intended to help people create ‘Homes for Nature’ where they live, work and play. The idea is a simple one; connecting people with wildlife and encouraging them to undertake small tasks, such as putting up a nest box, or growing some wildflowers. But it also stretches to land managers looking for opportunities to create and care for the habitats that are so vital for the wildlife that is in decline.


e live in a crowded country, where green space is at a premium and our wildlife is being squeezed. In fact, a UK report, The State of


amazing home for nature


After all, it’s not just domestic gardens


that can act as mini nature reserves and lifelines for our diminishing wildlife. Schools, parks, and recreational areas can all play their part. And so can golf courses; many already do. RSPB spokesperson Sarah Woods, said;


“Golf courses used to have a bit of a bad reputation in environmental terms. They were often seen as bleak grass monocultures, with an over-dependence on chemical fertilisers and precious little biodiversity. But, on closer inspection, many have features that benefit wildlife. Some support priority habitats like heathland and chalk grassland, and many are working hard to reduce reliance on water.” “More and more, golf course managers are


considering wildlife in their plans, putting in native trees, shrubs and flowers and, in some cases, creating, for example, wildflower meadows and reedbeds. Many have also started to reduce their dependence on harmful pesticides and are instead looking to attract pollinating insects like bees and butterflies. And, where there are insects, birds and bats are sure to follow.” All this work for nature doesn’t just benefit


nature of course. The experience of watching wildlife is, for some, a big part of the pleasure of a sedate round of golf. A blackbird singing its heart out from an old


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