GOLF
on some holes to keep golfers challenged. “I want to make the 18th into a Par 5 to create a strong finish to the course,” Gary says. “A new tee is up and running, but we have to consult the Forest’s Head of Conservation, Dr Jeremy Dagley, and his team with any plans to remove trees as the Forest is a protected site of historic interest.” Managing cut heights last summer proved a complex task, especially at the height of the heatwave when temperatures soared. “Normally we fluctuate between 5mm on greens, 10mm on tees, a more sustainable height of 18mm on fairways and 45mm for the rough.”
As the course is a public open space, does Gary have to pepper it with ‘Keep off the Grass` notices. “No,” he states decisively. “The public know what they should and shouldn’t do by and large.” That said, he has witnessed some eyebrow-raising scenes in his time here. “One year, I spotted a family picnicking on one of the greens from which I had to point out to them that they were sitting in a position dangerous to themselves. We also have to move people on who have chosen the fairways for a spot of sunbathing.”
He has occasion to read the letter of the law if visitors persist in flouting the rules. “Paragraph 28 of the Epping Forest Acts by- laws state that no-one is allowed to interfere with the playing of lawful games on any portion of the Forest set apart for such
games,” states Gary, clarifying the position. At other times, blessedly rarely says Gary, the public stray well beyond the bounds of reasonable behaviour. “Someone once drove a quadbike across a green, badly churning up the surface and one of my team found it at 8.30am, just as play was getting underway. The Forest is open access, including the course, so it is difficult to prevent deliberate vandalism, if someone has a mind to it.”
Although locals and players are quick to support the protection of the course, highlighting vandalism more widely is the last thing Gary wants. “Copycat incidents can occur if we publicise such things in an effort to deter people,” he says. “Our colleagues, the Forest Keepers, are charged with by-law enforcement on the Forest, so we do call them to assist on the course when needed.”
While free from badger damage on the
course, other wildlife makes its presence felt. “Foxes do their bit on some of the greens, and crows ripped up some surfaces searching for leatherjackets. I think they left disappointed, thanks to the hot, dry summer.”
The course itself is not included in the
Forest’s Site of Special Scientific Interest designation, but Gary and the team are sparing with certain maintenance tasks. “We avoid strimming the ditches because of the Great Crested Newt population and take
due care when building tees in case we encroach on their habitat.” Again, Gary contacts the Forest’s Conservation Team for advice before taking appropriate action to resolve issues arising.
Epping Forest boasts its own herd of
Longhorn cattle, which graze the woodland pastures “Cows have been known to stray on to the course,” Gary says, “but it’s not an issue for us and is less frequent now we have our invisible fencing approach.” “We work in balance with nature as much as we can,” Gary stresses. “The naturally grassy areas we leave uncut to encourage flora and fauna.” Gary keeps a close watch on regulations governing the application of chemicals and runs a proactive stance on the issue. “The rest of Europe tightly controls use of chemicals, so I believe it’s best to be ahead before we are forced into compliance. That’s one of the reasons we focus on organic turf
management for disease resistance and control.”
What’s in the shed? Toro 3250D Greensmaster
John Deere ProGator x 2 - one fitted with a Gambetti sprayer
John Deere 7700 fairway mower John Deere 8800 rough mower
John Deere 2500B greens mower now fitted with tees units
John Deere 2500E greens mower Kanga Kid mini loader Trilo leaf blower Trilo leaf sweeper Toro ProPass topdresser Toro ProCore Fairway slitter Strimmers and blowers Unit and blade grinders John Deere 3045 tractor
22 PC April/May 2019
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