Conservation & Ecology
“
Chalk downland has its own unique flora and fauna, but there is only a limited area left that is not managed under intensive agriculture
Members understand the benefits of the ecological programme
management, it does not cover the full costs and we need the investment and support of the club members to make it work,” he reported. “As they see the benefits begin to take shape, with both environmental interest and course improvements, we can continue and extend the work.” Glenn pointed out that the members had
to accept some areas of the course that were out of play being permanently fenced off, which was a challenge given the course was proud of its policy of no out-of-bounds across the whole area. “We are responsible for everything inside the boundary of the course; it’s a matter of getting the balance right between the in-play and out-of-play areas.”
“Now that the members have an General Manager Marc Dryden
understanding of what we are looking to protect and trying to achieve for the long- term, for the most part they are enjoying the developments.”
Probably the single biggest undertaking is
to clear the years of invasive woodland scrub that has taken over on vast tracts of out of play areas, and looking to restore it to traditional downland, with fine wispy grasses and native acid-loving chalkland wildflowers.
Focused impact
Any activities on the designated Ancient Monument sites are severely curtailed to protect the feature below the surface, and subject to strict regulation across the rest of the HLS area. Steep slopes - which give the course valleys their wonderful definition - do seriously hamper mechanical operations. But, by focusing on relatively small areas at a time, the greenkeeping team, along with willing conservation volunteers, they have started to make a real impact. Furthermore, to keep the scrub effectively in check has seen the introduction of sheep - with up to 150 grazing. Hardy native species,
Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) 36 I PC DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015
Wiltshire sheep grazing the course
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