Golf courses can be wildlife havens

I have always considered a golf course to more than just a grass track where golfers hit little white balls up and down.

Having started my working life on the heathland course of Blackmoor in Hampshire, I have been fortunate enough to see many species of animals, birds and insects, that most don't get to see in such close quarters during their lives.

Not all of the visitors are a greenkeepers' friends. Badgers and woodpeckers for example will tear into turf looking for worms, chafer grubs and leatherjackets to feast on. Rabbits and hare dig holes and eat the bark from young trees and deer can damage trees with their antlers.

The fox leaves a rather disgusting smelling faeces on greens and in bunkers. Squirrels drop debris onto greens and damage trees.

On the heathland of Blackmoor there are many lizards, slow worm's, grass snake's and adders.

It's all a bit of a trade-off as nature lives side-by-side with man in a slightly contrived environment.

Much more can be done by golf committees to protect and enhance natural environments in an around golf courses. Many have spent a lot of time removing natural habitat in a bid to control scrub and bush - this control damages the ecology.

I was pleased to see the work carried out at Fairfield Golf and Sailing Club in Audenshaw, Manchester.

The Golf Club, together with land owner United Utilities, have extended and developed the golf course whilst still retaining, managing and extending habit for wildlife.

Wetlands were created to protect the Great Crested Newts. Newt fencing was erected and with trapping and relocation throughout the project. The site now boasts a micro-habitat that is ideal for breeding and hibernation for the newts.

The work was carried out by professional sports turf and golf course construction company, Souter Sports.