The 29th Golf Environment Awards (GEAs), hosted by STRI Group, took place on January 24 during the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition week in Harrogate.
The coveted awards ceremony was attended by UK and international golf clubs to celebrate and reward industry professionals who dedicate their time and energy to protecting and enhancing the environment.
Golf courses represent 33% of the UK’s open space, and when managed properly can significantly enhance biodiversity, conserve rare habitats, and be one a leading sector in promoting positive environmental practices.
Tina Jessop, Head of Brand and Communications at STRI Group commented, “The GEAs shine a light on the impressive work from each finalist, and we hope these awards will continue to empower all golf clubs to begin implementing environmentally sound practices on their courses.”
With six awards up for grabs, each with a strict criteria, the winners were…
Operation Pollinator Award – Huntercombe Golf Club
Awarded to golf clubs who consistently deliver outstanding ecological habitat creation and management
Ecological Project of the Year – Canterbury Golf Club
Canterbury Golf Club won the Ecological Project of the Year for the wildlife conservation work carried out by the Kent club which was put together by Anthony Dance, the club’s biodiversity champion, with the support of Natural England.
“This win provides valuable recognition and validation for all the work that the management, green staff and volunteers are doing to improve the club’s landholding for wildlife and people. It provides a platform to engage more widely with members and the local community to promote nature conservation and to showcase what golf clubs can achieve,” commented Dance, who accepted the award in person on behalf of the club.
Canterbury Golf Club was also represented at the awards ceremony by Club Chairman Steve Eeles, Course Manager Ray Goodsall and club volunteer Phillip Thorne.
In recognition of Dance’s inspirational work, Eeles said: ”This award is due to Anthony’s effort in creating the club’s Biodiversity Management Plan and for all the hard work of fellow members and volunteers led by Phillip Thorne and David Elliott and their ever-growing band of helpers, assisted by our greens staff. Without Anthony’s vision and skills this project would have not seen the light of day.
”Through his drive and contacts the club has engaged with other local groups including the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Kent Moth Group and many others who have helped in understanding the wealth of nature on and around the course. On top of this, he helped gain a five-year programme of grant funding from DEFRA.”
Canterbury’s recent sponsorship of a GPS tracker to assist with the reintroduction of the red-billed chough is another example of the wildlife conservation work that the club is involved with. This pioneering project was initiated by the Wildwood Trust and Kent Wildlife Trust, with the support of the National Trust and English Heritage. It will run for five years, introducing up to 10 choughs to the cliffs of Dover each year. Images of choughs feature on the coat of arms of both the city of Canterbury and the Golf Club.
The awards’ judges said: ”Canterbury’s project covered all aspects of what they were looking for; member engagement, clearly identifiable aims, delivery of these aims, inclusion of other local groups and public engagement.”
Conservation Champion of the Year – John Milne, Garmouth and Kingston Golf Club
Outstanding individuals who make significant contributions to the success of environmental and ecological management making a positive impact on the surrounding landscape and biodiversity.
Sustainable Project of the Year – Royal Dornoch Golf Club
Golf clubs who have implemented a successful sustainable project with clear objectives and targets that contribute to a more sustainable environment.
International Environmental Golf Course – Golf della Montecchia, Italy
Golf clubs outside of the UK that brilliantly demonstrate efficient management across nature conservation, turfgrass, waste and water.
UK Environmental Golf Course of the Year – Colmworth Golf Club
Golf clubs in the UK that are leading the way in sustainability across nature conservation, turfgrass management and waste and water management.
All winners are rewarded with a £750 grant to help fund further ecological and environmental projects at their clubs, a visit from an agronomic consultant, entry to the Foundation Award in Amenity Horticulture Course, BIGGA membership for the Conservation Champion award winner and promotional materials to display across digital platforms.
STRI concluded the evening with a huge thank you to all the finalists and, of course, the sponsors who make the awards possible – Aquatrols, BIGGA, Syngenta, Tillers Turf, Textron and The R&A.