Biodiversity on golf courses

Summary

Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse are among the biggest threats humanity faces in the next decade. The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 proposes a more holistic approach to biodiversity policy. Protecting and restoring nature cannot solely be imposed by regulation it must include all relevant actors in the periurban and rural landscape. Golf courses could contribute to the produc­tion of biological diversity, the conservation of na­tural and cultural environments and the retention and expansion of ecosystem services in periurban environments and the cultivated landscape. In this project five pilot golf courses, Ullared – Flädje GC, Vinbergs GC, Harabäckens GC, Hofgårds GC, will demonstrate how to improve biodiversity at the golf course by creating habitats for pollinating insects. Four methods will be used to improve the golf areas, (a) burning, mowing, seed mixtures to increase pollen and nectar in edges/roughs, (b) sand treatment and bunkers, (c) protecting old and dead trees, and (d) increase flowering shrubs. Measures and management activities, inventories, evaluation, and reporting will be carried out in collaboration with experts at, Varberg and Falkenberg municipalities, Linné University and external consultants.

The project is planned to start early summer 2020 by kick-off meetings at the five golf clubs respectively. In connection with these meeting the first inventory of plants and inscects will be carried out. 

The golf course managers will create new knowledge and experiences on how to improve biodiversity which will be spread to golf courses and municipalities in all Nordic countries. The project will generate check lists, fact sheets on how to improve biodiversity on golf courses. Field trips will be arranged and information signs will be posed. A final report in Swedish will be published. 

The project will help to fulfill the sustainable development goal 15, ecosystems and biodiversity,  set in the UN  Agenda 2030.

Fundings (kSEK)