15 October 2009, St Andrews, Scotland: The R&A has collaborated with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds to produce a new publication. Birds and Golf Courses: a guide to habitat management has now been published and is available from The R&A website (www.randa.org).
The lavishly illustrated 80-page book shows how golf courses can be valuable habitats for many species of birds – and that, indeed, they could be an important factor in saving some endangered species. It provides greenkeepers, golf course managers, committee members and all others interested in ecologically friendly management of golf courses with clear and comprehensive guidance on what they can do to support and enhance bird populations on their land, through simple but effective management of the roughs and out of play areas. The book will also be invaluable to those planning new golf courses.
“Our golf courses, if managed sympathetically, can make a significant positive difference to the future fortunes of vulnerable species of birds,” explained Graham Wynne, Chief Executive of the RSPB.
“I am delighted that we have worked closely with the RSPB to produce this book and encourage all golf clubs to think about how they can put this guidance into practice on their property,” said Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of The R&A.
The book is written by Dr Keith Duff, retired Chief Scientist from the government wildlife protection agency English Nature, and Nigel Symes of the RSPB and costs £7.99.
Contact:
Steve Isaac
Director of Golf Course Management
Malcolm Booth
Assistant Director – Head of Communications
The R&A
Tel: +44 1334 460000
Nigel Symes
Land Management Advisor
Graham Madge
Media Advisor
The RSPB
Tel: +44 1767 680551
