Trials have been
conducted to assess the different management techniques for a range of fixed dune grassland conditions
Above: The STRI’s Bob Taylor discusses the ecology of the course with Roger and John
Right: Sharp Rush (Juncus acutus) grass is encouraged to thrive
Below: Rough grass management policies aim to increase wildlife diversity
both assessed. The trials were conducted over a six year period across four areas of grassland that were split into five plots, and managed as follows:
• Spring cut + scarification + litter collection (annual)
• Spring cut + scarification + litter collection (every 3 years)
• Late summer cut + litter collection (annual)
• Late summer cut + scarification + litter collection (annual)
• Neglected grassland control
strategy. A survey was undertaken to identify the flora and fauna, followed by the drawing up of an agreement between all parties to help preserve and enhance this unique bio diversity. They have just completed their first five-year term and are now working on the requirements for the next five years.
managed. However, it is not something that they will do, as such measures will impact on wildlife and also lead to a loss of course definition.
The course has an automated
irrigation system for green and tees, but is used sparingly. Water is obtained from their own reservoir. Each green used to have its own individual well pool. These are still in existence, but are now only kept as wildlife havens. The course has 120 bunkers, most of which are of the small, deep wall type, designed to prevent the sand from being blown away. They are raked three times a week and topped up with sand as and when required.
Ecology
Typical of links courses, Royal St David’s is very much open to the elements. The abrasive nature of the weather means that conserving the fauna and flora of the course is just as important as maintaining the playing surfaces, especially as it is designated an SSSI. The club has a strong working partnership with the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) and, with the assistance of the STRI’s Bob Taylor, they have set up a ten-year bio diversity
50 During our course
walk Bob pointed out a number of examples of good management practice that had been carried out during the first five years of the scheme and detailed the aims of the programme for the next five years.
Bob explained that gorse plantations
require a rotational programme of pruning, thinning and planting. For example, pruning is best done in three stages - one in each of the first three years, eventually cutting down to between 150-300mm in height. The gorse is then allowed to grow back before the process is repeated. Rough grass management policies aim
to increase the wildlife diversity whilst, at the same time, giving clear demarcation of the fairways. As Bob explained, it is not just a case of cutting grass regularly at different predetermined heights, it is about understanding the longer-term benefits of grass species management. Roger and John, working with Bob
Taylor, have been conducting a number of trials to assess the different management techniques for a range of fixed dune grassland conditions. Species composition and structural quality were
The trials demonstrated that different approaches to grassland management could affect species composition, the degree of cover and the density of the sward. In particular, the results suggested that grasslands receiving a summer cut (without aftermath grazing) responds more slowly to change than would be the case under a spring cut.
Scarification can accelerate the speed of change, becoming excessive, particularly when included in a annual spring cut. The annually cut summer grasslands are generally not as rich as spring cut grasslands, but the reduction in density may be sufficient to provide excellent golfing rough conditions. Grasslands managed on a three-year basis (summer cut) may not differ visually from unmanaged grasslands although some subtle changes were noted. The study revealed that spring cut grasslands reduce in vigour, resulting in a reduction of general biomass and an increase in species diversity. Scarification, in creating more open ground conditions, appears to increase germination of annual/biannual flora species.
The nett result is that Roger and John now employ both the summer and spring annual cuts to various areas of the course which, in essence, gives a fringing rough that offers grass which penalises the golfer whilst, at the same time, retains a diversity of wildlife. Roger is grateful for the support he
has received from both Bob and the CCW. He also points out that, without the continuing support of the club officials and committees, none of this work would be possible.
Winter work
This year’s winter works is centred on two main projects - the 16th tee and 17th fairway.
The condition of the 16th tee has
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