The Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) has launched ‘Sustainable Golf Course Management’ a combined DVD and CD-Rom package to stimulate awareness of the ecological and environmental impact of golf in today’s society. The production of both items has been sponsored by Ransomes Jacobsen, the Ipswich-based turf equipment manufacturer.
The DVD is a television quality, 30-minute presentation showing the positive side of the golf industry and is aimed at players, the general public and those in the golf sector to raise awareness of the importance of golf courses within the landscape. It will also give recognition to the ecological and environmental management practices that are taking place on golf courses throughout the UK.
The DVD features a series of interviews with proprietors, course managers, greenkeepers and golf officials with contributions from other related organisations including English Nature, Committed to Green Foundation, STRI, Scottish Golf Environment Group and BIGGA.
The hour-long CD-Rom takes an in-depth look at specific ecological management issues and provides practical advice and guidance to operators and managers of golf courses. Best practice is at the heart of the content which comprises interviews with greenkeepers who have tackled and solved specific eco and enviro-related problems.
All major golf course habitats are represented including dune and other grasslands, woodlands and trees, heathland and heather, water features, hedgerows and deadwood. A section has been devoted to environmental legislation, protected sites and species.
The package has been prepared by Bob Taylor BSc (Hons), MIEEM, MBPR and Lee Penrose BSc (Hons), MIEEM, Ecological and Environmental consultants at the STRI. The packaged set is available from the STRI at a cost of £19. It is intended that the material will be translated into several different languages.
David Withers, managing director of Ransomes Jacobsen added, “We are one of the most environmentally aware manufacturers in this industry and are committed to producing equipment that mitigates the impact in the areas in which it is used. We were delighted when we were approached to support the production of this DVD/CD-Rom package and readily accepted. Helping with pro-active, educational issues is one of our goals for 2006 and this is just one of the projects we will be involved with throughout the year.
STRI www.stri.co.uk
Ransomes Jacobsen www.ransomesjacobsen.com
Golf’s greener side
