Environment
In 2016 the club paid for an ecology report that provided expert proactive management advice to help the club move forward. The environmental projects carried out are ongoing and include:
Grassland management
Not a true environmental project, but improving rough areas to improve playability. The fact that we are also creating an attractive diverse habitat is an amazing byproduct
Gorse
Gorse introduction may fall into environmental works; its introduction is as much to do with course characteristics, as it is environment.
Small wet land area on 5th hole (In front of tee)
All ground works, including machinery hire/ contractors was fully funded by the Wildlife Trust in a joint project. Wild flower seed was sown around this area.
Wetland scrape on 5th hole (fairway)
The work was carried out to help with a drainage problem, the introduction of a small area was a bonus.
Wetland scrape and wild flower area 12th hole
Fully funded by the Wildlife Trust in this joint project. Wild flower seed was sown around this area. A bird feeding station has been added.
Bird hide 12th hole
All materials have been recycled from old material. The wild flower turf roof was kindly supplied free of charge by Tillers turf http://www.tillersturf.co.uk : they support golf clubs’ efforts towards environmental management.
Bird boxes
Small bird boxes, supplied by members and others made using waste material.
Bat Boxes
Made using waste material, by greenkeeper Mark and family.
Insect boxes
Small insect houses.
Hedgehog boxes
Constructed from waste material
Improving Course Playability
Woodland management; trees and scrub improvements, to enhance the look of the course, speed up play and provides better natural habitats. Includes grassland management.
Sustainable/ Responsible management
A lot of our focus around environmental management is based on responsible land management, with laws and regulation constantly changing, new legislative bans on chemicals and water being classed as a precious resource, a pro-active approach to this is essential. Direct and indirect improvements to habitats, ecology and wildlife on the course can only be a good thing. Long-term benefits from using an environmentally sound approach can only help to lower running costs in many areas.
Advertising and Marketing/ Funding
Companies, organisations and authorities look for a business that is already involved in environmental work and will have a better chance of support being successful. Whitley Bay Golf Club has been selected for the finals of STRI Environmental Golf course of the year https://golfenvironmentawards.com for the second consecutive year.
Improving Our Site
One of the key benefits from Environmental Management is direct and indirect improvement to the site at Whitley Bay. When golfers play the top golf courses condition and playing surfaces are always fantastic, but you will also find a site alive with flora, fauna, birds and animals with areas of grassland which frame the golf course always attractive and colourful and rough consists of an open sward with an effortless feel.
See article about Whitley Bay Golf Club in this BIGGA document