The presentation of the course has considerably benefitted as a consequence of the ecology programmes
The EGU has a number of initiatives in place, including a series of roadshows. In addition they have a joint venture with English Nature on ecology programmes and also support the R&A on sward improvement.
In typical hands-on fashion, David has implemented both these schemes at Cold Ashby and he feels that, by doing so,
Properly maintained deep rough attracts butterflies, wild flowers and birds
Unit, and have achieved tangible gains for both golfers and wildlife out on the course. Under the scheme each club is set a series of targets, which are aimed at improving the wildlife value of the course whilst taking into account the aesthetic and strategic interest for the golfers. At Cold Ashby, these targets included the development and appropriate management of deep rough, pond improvements and management of the degenerate gorse and wooded areas. The club embraced these issues and implemented an eighteen month ecological improvement programme between 2006 and 2008. As a result, the course now features several hectares of well positioned and properly managed deep rough, providing visual interest for the members and playing host to a variety of
Water bodies throughout the course have been transformed
the presentation of the course has considerably benefitted as a consequence. Staff from STRI were appointed to advise and monitor the progress of both the schemes.
David Croxton - a man on a mission!
Cold Ashby were accepted into the third batch of golf clubs under the English Golf Ecological Advisory Service in partnership with the EGU, Natural England, The R&A and STRI. The club have since received two consultancy visits from Lee Penrose, the STRI’s Senior Consultant within the Ecology and Environment
wildflowers, birds and butterflies. The water bodies throughout the course have been transformed into deep, clear pools with native vegetation around the perimeters
attracting damselflies, dragonflies and breeding birds such as coot and moorhen. Previously, degenerate woodlands and pockets of gorse have received
management attention and are now showing good signs of revival.
The club were assessed against these targets this summer and, having implemented all of the work asked of them, have been awarded the English Golf Ecological Environment Award. Lee Penrose said about the
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