Birds on the course!
New R&A book in association with the RSPB
Posted: 2 November 2009
by Golfmagic correspondent
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Steve Thompson makes his bird boxes
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One of the big attractions of golf is the chance to be out in the countryside, exercising, breathing the fresh air and stopping occasionally to admire the scenery.
Golf courses also a great place for wildlife and have a role to play in providing sanctuaries for threatened birds and animals, according to the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) and golf’s governing body, the R&A.
Golf has been criticised in the past by by green groups claiming courses use excessive water, pesticides and fertiliser but a new joint publication, Birds and Golf Courses: A Guide to Habitat Management (available through the R&A, priced £7.99), marks a change in attitude by the industry, highlighting golf courses across the UK where wildlife-friendly measures have been a success.
“Golf courses may have gained a bad reputation, perhaps not always justified, among environmentalists but that's changing,” says the RSPB’s Nigel Symes, who co-wrote the publication.
“The truth is that every golf course has potential to be a sanctuary for wildlife and to provide an important stepping stone for birds and other animals whose habitat is under threat. While researching this report we have come across a lot of inspiring examples of golf courses doing great things for wildlife," he says. |
Abernethy golf course
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“We would now like more golf clubs to look at what they can do for skylarks, woodlarks, corn buntings and all kinds of birds. Planting native plants like heather and creating reed beds and hay meadows as well as reducing the use of pesticide and fertiliser can all make a big difference.”
Among those involved in encouraging wildlife is Steve Thompson, a greenkeeper at John O'Gaunt golf club in Bedfordshire, who, in his spare time makes bird boxes for wild birds including woodpeckers, jackdaws, and tawny owls.
According to the statistics, there 140,000 hectares of rough and out-of-bounds areas on UK golf courses, which could be managed for wildlife - a similarly-sized area is covered by all the RSPB’s UK nature reserves.
“For most golfers part of the enjoyment of a game is getting out of the rat race for a while and enjoying the wildlife,” says Steve Isaac from the R&A. “Often some wild bird song as you walk around the course can more than make up for a poor game of golf.
“There has been a growing awareness over the past decade or so in the sport that courses need to do more for wildlife. While there are some greenkeepers who put more water and pesticides on their courses than we would like, there are many golf clubs managing habitats for wildlife on their land.” |
Corncrake found in Scotland
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One golf course owner blazing a trail for wildlife is Paul Stevenson, from New Malton Golf Club in Hertfordshire. As well as cutting down on chemical and water use he has used the 40 hectares of out-of-bounds areas on his course to create habitats for birds and other animals.
“We have a thriving group of herons and a large number of woodpeckers here and it’s something our members love to see,” he says. “We even have a contingent of golfers who come along early in the morning to play when the wildlife is at its most active. They back and tell us what they’ve seen.
He adds: “I want to prove that you can encourage wildlife and reduce chemical use and still have a great course which makes a profit.”
FOOTNOTE: Many courses in the UK have for years been providing a habitat for wildlife including traditional links courses in Scotland and on the East Anglian coas, which provide a home for breeding waders like redshank and oystercatchers. Courses on the Western Isles support the threatened corncrake and a course near Abernethy is home to the UK’s only endemic bird, the Scottish crossbill. The chough, which has seen declines in recent years, is ideally suited to golf courses as it feeds on short grass.
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Discuss this story
If you've never been attacked by a nesting bird on a golf course - such as curlews (whaps) or Oystercatchers - you cannot consider yourself a proper golfer. Seen deer a few times, and have played around grazing sheep.
Posted: 02/11/2009 15:56
Where do you get your inspiration Bob? Next week by Bob Warters . . . The Follow Through . . . ever shat yourself on the golf course? This could turn into a funny game ha ha
Posted: 02/11/2009 16:04
Really interesting contribution Chris - right up there with most of your posts.
Posted: 02/11/2009 16:26
Can't say I have Chris but I've played with a few with weak bladders...one second you're walking along chatting and the next moment you're talking to yourself as off they go to find the nearest tree. Now let's not get off topic - or should that be off-piste? ED PS What's the name of that course in the New Forest where the animal graze on the fairways?
Posted: 02/11/2009 16:31
Really interesting contribution Chris - right up there with most of your posts.
You really need to get over yourself. Pathetic.
Posted: 02/11/2009 16:59
Really interesting contribution Chris - right up there with most of your posts.
You really need to get over yourself. Pathetic.
Seriously - a really interesting contribution - followed by another - class Chris, real class.
Posted: 02/11/2009 17:31
You're doing not bad yourself. What is it you're trying to do here? Do you go about pointing out the quality of everybody's post? Or is it just me? Are you going to shut this thread down too now?
Posted: 02/11/2009 17:35
So your responsibility on this site is to pass comment on 'sarcastic and coarse' posts now is it? What is your problem?
Posted: 02/11/2009 17:40
A bit defensive aren't we? Your sarcasm's ok - but mine ain't Ok - I've got it 
Posted: 02/11/2009 17:46
squirrels, the usual birds etc. a sparrow hawk or two and a pair of buzzards have put paid to many birds this last couple of months. We have quite a few cats that keep the mouse and frog population down too
Posted: 02/11/2009 17:47
It's not the first time you've had a go. You clearly do seem to have some problem with me in particular. Chris, WHAT is wrong with you lately, it's like you have lost your mojo...
Posted: 02/11/2009 18:34
I've lost my mojo. Apologies if this post is worthless and lacking in wit.
Posted: 02/11/2009 18:39
Just asking, Pal....  ......not like you to be dispirited...
Posted: 02/11/2009 18:50
I'm sick fed up of the heavy handed moderation on here to be honest. Some people are 'moderated' more than most, and it does not correlate with what they say. It's getting on my f****n nerves. NOTE: I can still asterix out swear words can't I, or will that result in a warning too?
Posted: 02/11/2009 19:00
meanwhile, back on topic; rabbits, hares, deer, weasels, badgers, owls and various other avian types.
Posted: 02/11/2009 19:23
I've seen quite a few Tits. Most often wearing J Lindberg or IJ Poulter gear  As for actual flying type birds. Errr, I've seen the odd blue one and a few green ones but most are grey, brown or black. As for makes and models, haven't a clue 
Posted: 02/11/2009 19:29
must be a slow news day........................ lots of birds from pheasants through to kestrals, with lots of LBJ's as well........... once saw a fll grown stag belt up the middle of the fairway of our (then) 7th............. luckily my ball was nowhere near the middle of the fairway......... playing abroad, have encountered flamingo's, kudu's and croc's.
Posted: 02/11/2009 22:11
There you go, you see - really interesting stuff about wild animals and birds we have encountered. Part of my job is to put up news and features that will hopefully stimulate and activate the forum and most have responded positively. There's more to golf - than just golf. Just look around you next time you're playing and fully utilise the walk (or drive) between shots. Next week: Insects that have crawled up my leg on the backswing! ED
Posted: 03/11/2009 08:34
Best courses I've played for taking in the sights & wildlife are Boat of Garten and Gleneagles. If I had my wits about me at BoG a few years ago I would have spotted an eagle overhead - it was soaring above us as we played the last, but we missed it. Only found out in the clubhouse afterwards when we were asked "did you see the eagle?". Shame - I've never seen a Golden Eagle. I think Chris lives in Lanarkshire, perhaps we should start a thread on favourite industrial landscapes?
Posted: 03/11/2009 11:04
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