NEWS
BIGGA partner RSPB and R&A
BIGGA teams up with RSPB and The R&A to support biodiversity on the UK’s golf courses
The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association has established a formal relationship with the RSPB and The R&A's partnership that will see the association explore collaborative opportunities to increase awareness and support for biodiversity conservation on golf courses.
BIGGA’s relationship with the RSPB and The R&A will help facilitate mainstream wildlife conservation on golf courses, by promoting best practice and providing inspiration for greenkeeping teams who would like to promote biodiversity at their golf facilities. RSPB Business Conservation Advisor Dr Marie Athorn will present at BIGGA educational events, including its flagship event Continue to Learn, and offer help and advice for greenkeeping teams to make the most of the opportunities for the promotion of ecology on their golf courses.
The relationship and the BIGGA platform will also be used to raise awareness and encourage participation in partnership case studies and research, such as trialling management of nature-based solutions. BIGGA will also support the RSPB and The R&A in achieving the partnership’s goals by providing support whenever possible, such as by hosting guidance notes on the BIGGA website.
James Hutchinson, BIGGA’s Membership Services Manager for Ecology and Sustainability, said: “We consider this relationship to be of tremendous importance as BIGGA, The R&A and the rest of the golf industry seeks to alter the perception of those who believe golf courses as detrimental to the environment. Golf courses constitute large areas of mixed habitats, from areas of trees,
heathland, wildflower meadows, wetland habitat and even bunkers and, as such, they play a hugely important role in preserving the UK's under threat wildlife species.”
“Turf professionals everywhere have an awareness of their role as stewards of the wider landscape and we’re looking forward to working closely with The R&A and RSPB to promote best practice and, in turn, provide more habitats for Britain’s wildlife to enjoy alongside the nation’s golfers.”
Dr Marie Athorn, RSPB Business Conservation Officer, said: “It is great that BIGGA are giving their full support to the partnership between the RSPB and The R&A. The partnership, funded by The R&A, has a fantastic opportunity to encourage and facilitate nature conservation on golf courses. With the support of organisations like BIGGA the partnership can reach the passionate and knowledgeable greenkeepers across the UK to showcase the amazing work they are already doing for nature and provide the expertise to those who want to start on their journey to helping nature on their golf course.”
“With over 3,000 golf courses in the UK, the golf industry is in an amazing position to support nature conservation on a landscape scale. With many golf courses being located in
Short-eared Owl at Montrose Golf Club
close proximity to densely populated areas, golf courses, if well managed for nature, can provide connectivity across an increasingly urban landscape. Regional BIGGA networks provide an exciting opportunity for golf courses and their greenkeepers to work together to support nature, whether that be a particular species in decline or to restore habitat that supports common and rare species alike.”
Steve Isaac, The R&A’s Director - Sustainability, said: “The partnership between The R&A and the RSPB has set out a number of key work areas that will contribute towards the protection of habitats and wildlife on golf courses across the UK. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the health benefits golfers and other users of golf courses gain from enjoying recreation surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. However, the aims of the partnership will only prove successful and enhance the natural value of golf courses if they are delivered on the ground. Greenkeepers will, obviously, play a vital role in this and the relationship between the partnership and BIGGA provides exciting opportunities we all have for golf and nature. We are delighted that BIGGA has joined this initiative and feel that this reflects the values that many greenkeepers put into practice as the custodians of wildlife on our golf courses.”
Boris Johnson pledges his support for £70m Cheshire Vision project
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged his support for plans to build a £70m world class football facility in Northwich, Cheshire.
Driven by Cheshire Football Association, the proposals - called Vision 2020 - include a new 3,000-capacity stadium, two outdoor 3G pitches, one indoor 3G pitch, a medical facility, an outdoor activity centre, a hotel and spa.
Set to be located at the former Knights Grange Golf Club in Winsford, the “football village” is also set to become a leading centre for the provision of women and girls football.
Speaking in parliament, answering a question from Eddisbury MP Edward Timpson - who has been championing the development - PM Johnson said: “This is a very exciting project and I welcome Cheshire FA’s commitment to providing a new world class facility for women’s and girl’s football and I look forward
6 PC December/January 2021
to the proposed opening of the centre in Winsford.”
Dave Edmunds, chair of Cheshire FA, said: “This proposal will see Cheshire at the forefront of County FA Football Development at every level of the game.”
“Our aim is to provide a fantastic facility that will significantly increase opportunities and experiences for all participants within the game, be they individuals or clubs.”
“At a time when the Football Association is targeting the doubling of participation in the women's game, this will also give Cheshire and our partners the chance to lead the way, and create a lasting legacy not only for women's and girl's football, but the whole game throughout the County of Cheshire.”
According to Louise Gear, head of women's
football participation at The Football Association, the project will transform the women's game in the region. “This is an innovative proposal and great news for aspiring female footballers across Cheshire,” she said.
“Excellent facilities mean more opportunities, better players, and more enjoyment. Centres like this can only aid our aspiration of doubling participation in the women's game by 2020.”
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
