CHAMPIONS OF THE GREEN – June Draft
Open venue, Royal Birkdale, and its
team are recognised as this months
Champions of the Green for the work
they do to protect and enhance the
nature and wildlife of the club. With
increasing consideration given to
environmental and sustainability
issues during decision-making both on
and off the course, it is clear to see
that sustainability is well embedded in
the ethos of the club. This is evidenced
by the fact that the club was recently
awarded with golf’s international ecolabel, GEO Certified®.
The course sits adjacent to a SSSI, a Special Area of Conservation and a Local Nature
Reserve. Its situation clearly shows the important role that the course can have in
providing habitat and safe channels for wildlife. Approximately 80% of the site is
given over to wildlife habitat and is home to a variety of rare plant and animal
species. The course has also hosted a breeding pair of Barn Owls for the last two
years, who have made their home in a purposely installed on-site nest box, along
with breeding colonies of Natterjack Toads which live within 1500meters of the
natural drainage ditches around the course.
Course manager, Chris Whittle (pictured) explained, “Staff, members and the local
community are immensely proud of the rare habitats and wildlife both within and
surrounding the club. The management of the course is dedicated to the
stewardship of these areas. We work in partnership with many groups, including the
local council, STRI and Natural England to ensure suitable heritage conservation and
ecosystem monitoring and protection. Although we have been doing a lot of great
work for a number of years, it’s through the OnCourse® programme that we’ve been
able to tell this story more publicly and to show some of the great things that the
sport of golf can bring to the environment and communities. Our commitment to
sustainability is reflected throughout our team and even saw one of our
greenkeeping staff, John Kelly, recognised by STRI as conservation greenkeeper of
the year“.
Habitats on course are increased and maintained by regular scrub management and
large areas of managed rough surrounds each hole. Management techniques, such
as annual autumn mowing of wet slacks are conducted to promote the
establishment of rare plants, including March Orchids. Ponds are excavated and
maintained to provide habitats and to promote diversity and nesting boxes, and log
piles are provided for the barn owls as well as pollinator insects and mammals. With
a management team expressing a genuine commitment to progress on more
sustainable golf, future intentions to invest in solar energy, green communication
and marketing it is safe to say that Royal Birkdale will continue to bring about
positive impacts on both the local community and natural environment.
More details about the environmental management and further sustainability
measures which are carried out at Royal Birkdale Golf Club visit:
https://www.golfenvironment.org/directory/671_royal_birkdale_golf_club
To find out more about what OnCourse® and GEO Certified® can do for you click
here:
http://www.golfenvironment.org/get_involved/clubs