Can golf courses help save threatened birds?

Environmentally friendly and rich in biodiversity are not phrases you often hear associated with golf course.

However they could be ideal places to provide sanctuaries for threatened birds and other wildlife.

In the past golf courses have been criticised by green groups for excessive water, pesticide and fertiliser use but a new joint publication, Birds and Golf Courses: A Guide to Habitat Management, marks a change in attitude by the industry.

The good news is there are golf courses across the UK, where wildlife friendly measures have been a success. Every golf course has the potential to be a sanctuary for wildlife, and to provide an important stepping stone for birds and other animals whose habitat is under threat.

The emphasis now is on encouraging more clubs to do their bit to help protect birds and other wildlife. For example planting native plants like heather and creating reed beds and hay meadows as well as reducing pesticide and fertiliser use can all make a big difference to birds like skylarks, woodlarks, and corn buntings.

Across the UK there is 140,000 hectares of rough and out-of-bounds areas on golf courses which could be managed for wildlife. This is the same sized area covered by all the RSPB’s UK nature reserves!

It’s good to know that there has been a growing awareness over the past decade or so that courses need to do more for wildlife. While there are some green-keepers who still put more water and pesticides on their courses than the environment can stomach, there are many golf clubs that are managing habitats for wildlife on their land.

One golf course owner who is 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.

So next time you are out for a round, take a look around you and see what wildlife is watching the play. And if there isn’t any – ask the club to make their greens more welcoming.