Dorothy Casey explains how golf courses in Suffolk are making a significant contribution to wildlife conservation in the County.

In Suffolk, golf courses cover a wide area of the county and many of them are situated in prime locations; near the coast, like the Sandlings, or in Breckland, both areas which are noted for their high landscape and wildlife value. In fact, conserving wildlife habitats, such as unimproved grassland, heathland, woodland, scrub and ponds is now being regarded as an integral part of golf course management in Suffolk.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust has known for some time, through contact with a number of clubs, that golf courses are making a significant contribution to wildlife conservation in the county. To discover more about what is being done to encourage wildlife on golf courses, Michael Thomas of the Suffolk Golf Union and a volunteer for Suffolk Wildlife Trust, sent a questionnaire to all clubs in the county. The high response rate has been very encouraging - of 29 affiliated clubs in Suffolk, 18 have already replied to the questionnaire and a further 6 replies are expected. From the survey, it is clear that many clubs are taking active steps to make their sites more wildlife-friendly, whilst still meeting standards for presentable, challenging golf courses.

Fynn Valley Golf Club
The Fynn Valley golf club, near Witnesham, is a good example of a relatively new course that has been designed with wildlife very much in mind. In the 1950s, Cowslip Farm was a typical traditional Suffolk farm where wildlife flourished in the numerous meadows, hedges and ponds existing on the farm at the time. However, during the early 1970s, for reasons of efficiency, farming practises became intensified and, as a result, many wildlife habitats were lost. Tony Tyrell, who grew up on the farm, recalls with regret the wide loss of wildlife that occurred, not just on his farm but throughout the entire Fynn Valley.

His chance to 'put something back' for wildlife came in 1989 when he decided to give up farming and create a golf course instead. During the winter of 1991/1992 he planted many trees around the course. Many native species, such as the oak, are now well established and provide a valuable habitat for breeding birds. Uncommon species such as barn owl and brown hare have also been noted, using the grassland areas as valuable habitat, whilst dragonflies and amphibians have moved into the restored ponds. Hay cutting of the rough, near the clubhouse, late in the season, ensures that 2-3 pairs of skylarks are able to raise their broods successfully. Tony is also delighted to see cowslips, which were so abundant in the 1950s, now starting to spread over the area.

Ipswich Golf Club
Ipswich Golf Club is a privately owned, 250 acre site on the east of the town which supports a wide range of semi-natural habitats of high conservation value. Of particular note is the heathland, which is now being restored to its former glory. Scrub and invading bracken are being removed to allow a mosaic of gorse, acid grassland and heather to re-establish. Neil Sherman, Site Conservation Officer, is delighted with the result. " Success of the restoration programme can be gauged by the recent return of the woodlark and silver studded blue butterfly, two rare species. In the centre of the course we have two large decoy ponds enclosed by wet woodland. Within this, a block of ancient hazel coppice is currently being managed to attract breeding nightingales. Other important species which can be found on our site include southern marsh orchid, water vole and kingfisher." In recognition of the hard work that has gone into improving the area for wildlife, Ipswich Golf Club was judged the Best Environmentally Managed Course in 1995, in an annual environmental competition reviewing conservation work on UK golf courses.

Aldeburgh, Felixstowe Ferry, Woodbridge and Thorpeness golf courses, all of which are situated in superb locations within the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, have long been recognised as important to wildlife. The courses support vital areas of heathland, together with populations of rare species such as adder, nightjar and woodlark and are listed in the Register of County Wildlife Sites.

Our recent survey confirms that an increasing number of Suffolk's golf courses are being managed sympathetically - ensuring that the needs of wildlife are taken into account whilst presenting attractive, well-maintained courses for the benefit of golfers.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust welcomes the opportunity to work in partnership with golf clubs, providing conservation advice wherever this is helpful.

Factsheet - Skylarks on Golf Courses

If you would like to know more, please contact Dorothy Casey, Conservation Manager, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Brooke House, Ashbocking, Ipswich, IP6 9JY, Tel. 01473 890089.