Great success
Daniel Lightfoot, Director – Sustainable Golf at The R&A, said, “The first-ever Golf BioBlitz at Carnoustie Golf Links was a great success. As part of our commitment to biodiversity in golf, we want to change the perception of golf’s role in protecting and conserving wildlife, showing that golf courses can have a positive impact on the environment, supporting an abundance of flora and fauna.
“There are many examples of environmental best practice at golf courses around the world and The R&A is committed to supporting and sharing these, thereby ensuring golf continues to develop facilities and improve perceptions of golf as a force for good on nature and resources.”
All those who attended were able to learn new identification skills across a wide range of taxa, from lichens to lacewings, learn all about the biodiversity value of golf courses and why they can be so important for wildlife, and most importantly have fun finding out more about biodiversity and how to help it thrive.
Seven events
Golf is intrinsically linked to the natural world, the tees, greens and fairways often bound by a variety of habitats which support an array of flora and fauna, but with nature continuing to decline and almost one in six species threatened with extinction in the UK (State of Nature, 2023), there is a need to be as informed as possible to take further action for nature in golf.
Over the 24-hour period of the BioBlitz, the Sustainability team at Carnoustie Golf Links and Oleo Ecology assembled a line-up of wildlife experts and nature enthusiasts from Angus and beyond. Together they participated in seven events taking in a variety of habitats on the estate. Over 50 people of all ages joined the exploration and participated in the activities. A total of 231 different species were recorded during the BioBlitz, comprising animals, plants and fungi.
The event was hailed a success by so many involved, with Graeme Gorrie of Tayside Bat Group, saying, “Thank you for organising a very successful BioBlitz. Carnoustie Golf Links is a showcase in how to manage a business with maximum benefit to nature and the environment.
“It's also refreshing to experience how open and inviting the links are to the general public with golf and golf courses considered by many as an exclusive environment. The links is simply a wonderful place to be for anyone that appreciates nature and wildlife and it was nice to share it with great company for a while.”
Successful staging
A season ticket holder in Carnoustie commented, “It was great to see there is much more than just golf at Carnoustie Golf Links.” A local resident also added, “I am so glad that Carnoustie Golf Links staff have taken the initiative in promoting the course as a wildlife sanctuary and are encouraging biodiversity and sustainability.
“When I first moved to Carnoustie I wasn't sure I would be allowed to walk round the paths, so finding out that walkers are welcome as long as we take note of nearby play and respect that they are playing was great news for me.”
Angus Mather, a student at The University of St Andrews, also took great value from the BioBlitz and said, “It was a fantastic event that effectively engaged the public in various aspects of golf sustainability. I found it extremely interesting and beneficial myself, and I’m sure all the participants felt the same way.
“Thank you for organising such a well-run and informative event. Given it was the first of its kind, it ran very smoothly and maintained a fun, captivating atmosphere throughout.”
Thanks to the success of this first BioBlitz, a second is to be held at Carnoustie in 2025. In addition, R&A Foundation funding will support another Golf BioBlitz at a different location in the UK next year to continue the legacy of Helen Goodman.
