Water, Chemical, and Energy Reduction

On the course, we seek different ways to reduce fungicide usage, which include, different grass species that are more disease resistant, more use of metals such as iron, copper, and manganese in addition to phosphite's, reducing organic matter and increasing the root depths to help make our greens more sustainable.

Our on-site waste to water cleaning system allows us to reduce our water usage by recycling dirty water in a tank for re-use. Harvesting water from the greenkeepers shed to make it require zero mains water supply is under review.

A commitment has been made to undertake a review of the restoration of an ancient pond on the course with the intention of recycling the water to keep our ponds topped up, and to reduce water usage from our borehole.  

When they are of a standard and quality good enough for golf courses, our aim is to incorporate the use of electric machinery. Using hybrid machines will reduce fuel, hydraulic oils, and noise pollution. 

Our electricity supplier was selected for being 100% Certified Green Electricity.

LED lighting has been installed in the greenkeeping shed.

All our golf buggies are electric.

Integrated Turf Management

An Integrated Turf Management (ITM) programme is a holistic approach to maintaining healthy turf by combining various management strategies. This typically includes: 

• Cultural practices (e.g., aeration, top-dressing, overseeding)
• Pest and disease management using Integrated Pest Management principles to reduce chemical use
• Nutrient management - customising fertilisation for soil health and turf requirements
• Water management - efficient irrigation to prevent disease and conserve resources

The ITM approach aims to promote long-term turf health and sustainability, reducing reliance on chemical interventions and optimising practices to maintain a healthy and resilient turf environment.

Biodiversity and Conservation

With the golf course taking up such a vast quantity of land, our goal is to enhance natural biodiversity where possible to allow pollinators and ecosystems to thrive.

The golf course is home to vital habitats for a diverse and flourishing wildlife population with Egyptian Geese, Swans, Ducks, Moorhens, Coots, Herons, various species of fish, Foxes, Muntjac Deer, Bats, and Badgers.

We create log piles from felled trees, which create a sanctuary of food and shelter for insects particularly threatened stag beetles. They find solace in the damp nooks and crannies a log pile provides, and as the wood decays over time, log piles attract an even greater range of wildlife like badgers, which may otherwise cause damage to the golf course.

Through naturalisation, we allow areas to go wild, introducing wildflowers and grasses to different parts of the golf course, eco areas, and uncut fescue grasses in the spring and summer seasons. Allowing areas of natural vegetation to grow become important for providing valuable food sources and nutrition for wildlife, attracting pollinators such as bumblebees, butterflies, and other insects. These areas contribute to creating an aesthetically pleasing course too!

During the Winter 2023/24 Programme, the Greenkeeping team constructed a bug hotel, as well as bird and bat boxes, utilising upcycled and recovered materials. These structures were then strategically installed across the golf course.

We are currently exploring the possibility of setting up beehives with the support of local professional beekeepers.
 
   Fox-Feeding Policy

Community and Local

Whenever feasible, we prioritise local suppliers. Our kitchen procures ingredients from a nearby butcher, dairy, and vegetable supplier, while the bar is supplied by a local brewery.

Our seasonal menus cater extensively to vegans and vegetarians, featuring a wide selection of options, including a Beyond Meat® offering.

Bike racks have been installed in the carpark.

Waste Management and Reduction

Food waste and kitchen oil are collected for proper disposal.

Recycling receptacles for paper, cardboard, plastic, cans, and glass bottles are conveniently located throughout the Clubhouse.

Purchasing Power

Off the course and into the Pro Shop - all tees, markers, and pitch forks available for sale are made from bamboo.

The Pro Shop also retails a PUMA range made from recycled plastic bottles.

Membership bag tags are made from bamboo and carry accreditation from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and our membership cards have transitioned from plastic to eco-PVC.

In the Clubhouse, single-use plastic water bottles have been replaced with water cartons.  

Sustainable Golf Course Management

The R&A and England Golf campaign to raise golfer awareness of some key issues when it comes to sustainable golf course management can be viewed by topic at the following links below:

1.  Wet conditions at my course

2.  Proactive protection of playing surfaces

3.  Living with leatherjackets

4.  Small creature, big impact

5.  Disease pressures coming into the playing season

6.  Grass is just grass... or, is it?

7.  How wild is 'wild' rough?

8.  Hazard by name but how hazardous by nature?

9.  Driving for  Sustainabilitee

10.  Tree-ing off

11.  Five things every golfer can do to help their greenkeepers

12.  Water scarcity and management