CONSERVATION & ECOLOGY
New natural habitat creation incuding heather and wildflower seed tiles transported into sand scrape areas
communications are strong, and the reasoning to do something is explained, the feedback is always positive… well, 99%!
RR: Communication is vital. Many ecological improvements are counter-intuitive and require explanation as to why they are being performed. Conversely, if you do not communicate what you are doing, then it will be missing an opportunity to get the benefits from the local community. Right now, environmentalism is on the rise and any increases in natural areas will be looked upon favourably.
PC: Do you consider that the initiatives will help the economic sustainability of the club, as well as the environmental sustainability?
RM: Without doubt, yes. Over the past four years there has been no increases in the budgets and, like many others, there has been cuts, but the feedback is that the course has got better.
RR: Involvement in the local community shares the benefits both ways and encourages an increase in membership.
There was a very interesting paper produced by the government that stated that, if everyone had equal access to green spaces, it would reduce the NHS mental health budget by 30%. If that is not good reason to support nature, I do not know what is.
CC: There is always the need to attract players to ensure the economic viability of the club. Where ecological initiatives can provide a more attractive environment in which to play, alongside good playing surfaces, it’s a win, win for golf and the environment. Richard and Banchory Golf Club are ably demonstrating the balance can be successfully achieved and creating a sustainable business.
POSITIVE ACTION FOR POLLINATORS
Join this initiative that offers potential to restore numbers of bumblebees and other valuable pollinating insects on your course, as well as a great marketing opportunity for the club.
www.greencast.co.uk/operation-pollinator Cut and collect to reduce fertility Where ecological
initiatives can provide a more attractive
”
environment in which to play, alongside good
playing surfaces, it’s a win, win for golf and the environment
Engaging with the community and local schools to promote ecology on the golf course
PC April/May 2020 107
Local schoolchildren are painting animals and insects that will go on a new course wildlife information sign. Local schools and nurseries also come in to spread wildflower seeds
”
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132
