Temple G.C. Holistic Conservation Management Opportunities Observations and Experiences

Transcription

1 Temple G.C. Holistic Conservation Management Opportunities Observations and Experiences

2 Golf Courses strange places to practise holistic conservation management? How has that come about? Perception - conventional wisdom Awareness - over use of fertiliser; water; pesticides; labour / fuel etc. Non golfing public - persuade otherwise! Golf s initiates

3 Transition moved inland

4 Background Originally played on poverty grasses (Fescues/Agrostis) Over use of fertilisers Reliance on irrigation water (anaerobic conditions) Destabilised soil biology Deterioration in desirable growing conditions increase in thatch; soft spongy anaerobic greens Led to a decrease in desirable grass species (Agrostis/Festuca) and an increase of undesirable species (Poa annua) Therefore a reliance on chemicals to try and control problems Toxic root zone and unsustainable surfaces

5 Askernish GC

6 Mosaic of desirable species

7 Careful use of irrigation supplies

8 Sensible use of labour / resources

9 Over use of labour fuel etc?

10 Tournament course - sterile environment, over watered, over fertilised, over maintained

11 Inappropriate planting

12 Background looking for inspiration Best described by the R&A definition for the sustainable golf course: Optimising the playing quality of the golf course in harmony with the conservation of its natural environment under economically sound and socially responsible management.

13 Primary and Secondary Environments Hidden Potential both primary and secondary 2500 golf courses established in the UK Estimated 150,000 hectares 1% of the UK landmass Greater density of golf courses per landmass than anywhere else in the world, representing a vast collection of environments

14 Primary Environments Temple GC Reduction of fertiliser requirements 150 Kg / Ha - 45 Kg / Ha (greens) Less use of water reduced by over 50%, now use less than the average garden centre Re establishing good soil micro biology disease resistance; moisture retention; thatch degradation; root development; nutrient recycling etc. Elimination of weed grasses and a return to the poverty grasses on which golf was initiated Working towards non dependence on chemicals

15 Secondary Environments An Unknown Temple acres of wildflower meadow High level of biodiversity flora and fauna (many red list species) Ancient woodland 1 mile of native hedgerow restoration Flora and fauna survey s moth s etc. Bird Box initiative Composting - recycling Plight of the bees Working with BB&OWT for 25 years

16

17 Secondary Environments An Unknown Temple

18 Wild flower meadows

19 Cowslip and Green Winged Orchid

20

21 Green-winged Orchid

22

23 Early Purple Orchid

24 Common Spotted Orchid

25 White Helleborine

26 Pyramidal Orchid

27 Bee Orchid

28 Diverse habitat

29 Diverse habitat to support the food chain

30

31

32 Tawny Owl Box

33 Barn Owl box

34

35 Bat boxes

36

37 Orange tip butterfly

38 Burnet moth and Cricket on Scabious

39 Chiltern Golf Courses Beaconsfield GC Huntercombe GC Gerrards Cross GC The Benefits of working with Wildlife Trusts is immense

40 Beaconsfield GC enhanced dew pond

41 Beaconsfield GC rough in early stages of management

42 Huntercombe GC umps n ollows

43 Gerrards Cross GC

44 Gerrards Cross GC

45 Temple G.C. Holistic Management Opportunities Observations and Experiences