Volvo Car UK, supported by The Wildlife Trusts, is running a nation-wide initiative to educate golfers on how they can make their game more environmentally friendly. The campaign, called ‘Drive the Green‘, is working with golf clubs to raise awareness and interest amongst their members of the link between golf and the environment.
The Wildlife Trusts is a partnership of 47 local Wildlife Trusts across the UK, plus the Isle of Man and Alderney. Their vision is ‘an environment richer in wildlife for everyone and they are the largest UK charity exclusively dedicated to conserving all habitats and species, with a membership of more than 530,000 people including 62,000 junior members. They campaign for the protection of wildlife and invest in the future by helping people of all ages to gain a greater appreciation and understanding of wildlife. Collectively, they also manage more than 2,500 nature reserves spanning over 80,000 hectares. For further information about The Wildlife Trusts phone 0870 036 7711 or visit www.wildlifetrusts.org
Golf courses are home to a wealth of wildlife and awareness and understanding of the wildlife around the course is important not only in protecting local flora and fauna but also in making the game an even more enjoyable experience. The campaign encourages golfers be aware of the wildlife that they share their local course with and to ensure that their game does not impact negatively on wild plants, animals and their habitats.
Volvo and the Wildlife Trust are working with local golf clubs that are keen to become ‘Drive the Green‘ ambassadors and take on the challenge of encouraging their members and visitors to be more environmentally aware. Volvo Car UK has produced a leaflet of greener golf tips, based on a 5-point plan developed by The Wildlife Trusts, which explains how golfers can support the environment whilst enjoying their game.
Clubs in Scotland, Bristol, Leeds and the Home Counties have already signed up to become ‘ambassador clubs‘. Volvo and The Wildlife Trust are hoping that more clubs and players across the UK will get on board and join the campaign.
John Everitt, head of conservation programmes at The Wildlife Trusts supports the 5-point plan. “Golf courses can provide a valuable addition to wildlife conservation in the UK by providing a home to many species,” he said. ” We hope that clubs across the UK will join Volvo and The Wildlife Trusts to support the ‘Drive the Green‘ campaign and raise the profile of the link between golf and the environment.”
Drive the Green is part of Volvo’s continued support for excellence in both golf and environmental stewardship. Volvo has a long and well-established relationship with the golfing community and hopes that this campaign will encourage club members to appreciate and care for their environment at their local golf club.
The Drive The Green leaflet is available to download from www.volvocars.co.uk/golfclub
The Royal and Ancient provide information about green golf club management at www.bestcourseforgolf.org
Global Edition
