Golf course management and sand dunes

Many golf courses have been developed on sand dunes in Great Britain. Approximately one third of sand dunes are partially or entirely used as golf links. The extent of loss of the dune flora and fauna varies on different course but destruction of the semi-natural vegetation occurs in areas converted to greens, tees and fairways. A study in Jersey showed that semi-natural dune vegetation contained 30 to 40 species per 25m2 compared with 5 to 10 species per 25m2 on fairways which have received fertilizer and herbicide applications as well as irrigation (Ranwell 1975). All golf courses contain areas of 'rough'. In some cases these are also intensively managed restricting the diversity of the vegetation. By contrast on a few sites relatively large and intact areas of 'rough' remain which may support important plant and animal communities. In these areas management intensity is low, perhaps involving mowing on an annual cycle or grazing at low levels (see picture below).

Caption: Sand dune 'links' course in western Ireland. Here the proportion of 'rough' dune habitat is high by comparison with the 'improved' greens, tees and fairways.

Where more specific information is available on restoration methods these are dealt with under the appropriate habitat or site. Although not covered as a major topic in the guide there are a number of valuable reports and papers dealing the management of golf courses for wildlife. The following references may be useful (Simpson et al. 2001b; Taylor 1995.) see also Sefton Coast (http://www.seftoncoast.org.uk/bestpra3.html).

References

Ranwell, D.S. 1975. The dunes of St. Quen's Bay, Jersey: an ecological survey. Annual Bulletin of the Société Jersiaise, 21., 381-391.

Simpson, D.E., Rooney, P.J. & Houston, J.A. 2001b. Towards best practice in the sustainable management of sand dune habitats: 3 Management for golf and nature on the Sefton Coast. In: Coastal Dune Management: Shared Experience of European Conservation Practice, eds.Houston, J.A., Edmondson, S.E. & Rooney, P.J.Liverpool University Press, 271-280.

Taylor, R.S. 1995. A Practical Guide to Ecological Management of the Golf Course. Int. Golf & Greenkeepers Ass. and the Sports Turf Research Institute, Bingley.