The golf course is typically known for its stunning surroundings as well as being a hub for a wealth of wildlife. Flora and fauna thrive in these environments and make the course that bit more enjoyable no matter what the weather looks like.
Flora and fauna make up a significant part of the course ecosystem. Along with creating an aesthetically pleasing location for the sport, there are some more practical benefits to acknowledge and look out for.
The benefits of flora and fauna
Being surrounded by nature is proven to lower stress levels, so the surroundings on the course can potentially make for a more relaxing round. Another thing to consider here is how the air quality is improved by the ecosystem that calls the golf course home.
Rainfall and the nutrients from the plants also increase the quality of the land, and with proper systems and waste management processes in place, flora and fauna can thrive on the course, benefiting both the people who spend time there and the planet as a whole.
Wildlife on the course
Providing habitat for wildlife is one of the top reasons why these ecosystems are so important both to the golf course and to the wider world. Plants and flowers provide a safe home for these creatures, and Syngenta has developed an initiative to help more bumblebees and other pollinating insects find their home on golf courses. Operation Pollinator is designed to support and enhance biodiversity, offering experience and advice to help golf clubs implement environmental change.
Golf is a sport that has long been associated with lush greens and acres of trees. With the climate crisis that is ahead of us, and an increased focus on environmental change, protecting the species and creatures that call golf courses home is an essential step to take.
Wildlife helps maintain the flow of the ecosystem, keeping the balance and allowing us to enjoy the flowers and plants that bloom around the course.
Flora and fauna you can expect to see
On some courses throughout the UK, you will be able to spot wild deer roaming! Other wildlife you might catch a glimpse of are foxes, badgers, water voles, squirrels, rabbits and grass snakes! Of course, there will also be plenty of opportunities for a spot of bird watching, with a whole array of feathered friends to look out for including pheasants, jays and finches.
 The flora and fauna that call the course home will change throughout the months and the seasons. From birds breeding in the Spring to the swallows in September time, seeing the course come to life and quieten down is one of the smaller things you can really indulge in.
From the simple joy of wild flowers, heather and bluebells to the awe-inspiring views of oak, ash, horse chestnut or silver birch trees, you’ll be sure to enjoy immersing yourself in nature during your round of golf.
Supporting the system
We can all play a part in supporting the circularity of flora and fauna on the course. For one, by spending time on the course and indulging in the sights and sounds they create, but there are some other more practical ways to support the life cycle. Maintaining a good ground and course means taking care of the course and respecting the environment and biodiversity surrounding it. Another way is to encourage conversations about how to better the course and the sustainability of the surroundings.
It all comes back to enjoying the experience and how both flora and fauna can enhance our time on the course. So, when you next play a round, look up, look around, and look twice at what you might see.
