{"id":24276,"date":"2024-04-16T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-16T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/?p=24276"},"modified":"2026-10-12T22:51:19","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T22:51:19","slug":"golf-course-biodiversity-practical-actions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/golf-course-biodiversity-practical-actions\/","title":{"rendered":"Biodiversity on Golf Courses: 7 Practical Actions"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>@import url(\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Poppins:wght@500;600;700&family=Roboto:wght@400;500;700&display=swap\");\n.tgb{font:17px\/1.65 Roboto,sans-serif;color:#333}.tgb h2{font:700 25px\/1.2 Poppins,sans-serif;color:#00505F;margin:1.9em 0 .6em;padding-bottom:.35em;border-bottom:1px solid #BCD9DC}.tgb a{color:#00505F;text-underline-offset:3px}\n.tgb .info{width:100%;height:auto;margin:1.6em 0;display:block}.tgb .svg-bg{fill:#F2FAFA}.tgb .svg-dark{fill:#00505F}.tgb .svg-card{fill:rgba(255,255,255,.1)}.tgb .svg-t{font:700 20px Poppins,sans-serif;fill:#00505F}.tgb .svg-tw{font:700 20px Poppins,sans-serif;fill:#fff}\n.tgb .svg-line{stroke:#BCD9DC;stroke-width:2}.tgb .svg-line2{stroke:#00F4F4;stroke-width:2}.tgb .svg-hex{fill:#008092}.tgb .svg-hex2{fill:#00F4F4}.tgb .svg-n{font:700 16px Poppins,sans-serif;fill:#fff}.tgb .svg-n2{font:700 16px Poppins,sans-serif;fill:#0B2E35}.tgb .svg-i{font:400 16px Roboto,sans-serif;fill:#333}.tgb .svg-c{font:400 15px Roboto,sans-serif;fill:#fff}\n.tgb figure{margin:1.6em 0}.tgb .scene{width:100%;height:auto;aspect-ratio:16\/9;display:block;border-radius:10px}.tgb figcaption{font-size:13px;color:#55666B;margin-top:6px}\n.tgb .faq{border:1px solid #BCD9DC;border-radius:10px;margin:.6em 0;padding:.2em 1em;background:#fff}.tgb .faq summary{cursor:pointer;font:600 16px Poppins,sans-serif;padding:.6em 0;color:#00505F}\n.tgb .cta{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#008092,#00505F);color:#fff;border-radius:10px;padding:28px 30px;margin:2.2em 0}.tgb .cta h3{color:#fff;margin-top:0;font:600 22px Poppins,sans-serif}.tgb .cta p{margin:.4em 0;color:#fff}.tgb .btn{display:inline-block;margin-top:14px;background:#00F4F4;color:#0B2E35!important;text-decoration:none;font:700 15px Roboto,sans-serif;padding:12px 28px;border-radius:99px}\n.tgb .rel{padding-left:1.1em}.tgb .rel span{display:block;font-size:14px;color:#55666B}.tgb .src{font-size:15px;color:#55666B}\n.tgb .ph{margin:1.8em 0}.tgb .ph img{width:100%;height:auto;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover;display:block;border-radius:10px}\n.tg-float{position:fixed;left:0;top:50%;z-index:9999;transform:translateY(-50%);writing-mode:vertical-rl;transform-origin:center;rotate:180deg;background:#00F4F4;color:#0B2E35!important;font:700 14px Poppins,sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase;text-decoration:none!important;padding:20px 11px;border-radius:0 12px 12px 0;box-shadow:0 6px 20px rgba(0,80,95,.35);transition:padding .2s,background .2s}\n.tg-float:hover{background:#3EF9DA;padding-left:16px}\n@media(max-width:767px){.tg-float{writing-mode:horizontal-tb;rotate:0deg;left:50%;top:auto;bottom:14px;transform:translateX(-50%);border-radius:99px;padding:13px 26px;letter-spacing:.06em;font-size:13px;white-space:nowrap}.tg-float:hover{padding:13px 26px}}<\/style><div class=\"tgb\"><a class=\"tg-float\" href=\"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/#demo\">Request a demo<\/a><p>A golf course covers dozens of hectares, and a good part of that land is never played. Well managed, that space can become an ecological corridor for birds, insects, amphibians and native plants. <strong>Golf course biodiversity<\/strong> is no longer a decorative issue: it affects the club&#8217;s reputation, its maintenance costs and its relationship with the community.<\/p><p>We review seven practical actions that any greenkeeping team can start applying without giving up playing quality, and how to keep records of what you do so you can communicate it with rigour.<\/p><svg class=\"info\" viewBox=\"0 0 720 538\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"In this article\"><rect width=\"720\" height=\"538\" rx=\"6\" class=\"svg-bg\"\/><text x=\"28\" y=\"42\" class=\"svg-t\">In this article<\/text><line x1=\"28\" y1=\"54\" x2=\"120\" y2=\"54\" class=\"svg-line\"\/><path d=\"M73.1,89.0 L73.1,111.0 L54.0,122.0 L34.9,111.0 L34.9,89.0 L54.0,78.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex\"\/><text x=\"54\" y=\"106\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n\">1<\/text><text x=\"94\" y=\"97\" class=\"svg-i\">Action 1: Survey and measure golf course biodiversity<\/text><path d=\"M73.1,153.0 L73.1,175.0 L54.0,186.0 L34.9,175.0 L34.9,153.0 L54.0,142.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex\"\/><text x=\"54\" y=\"170\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n\">2<\/text><text x=\"94\" y=\"161\" class=\"svg-i\">Action 2: Naturalise rough areas that do not affect play<\/text><path d=\"M73.1,217.0 L73.1,239.0 L54.0,250.0 L34.9,239.0 L34.9,217.0 L54.0,206.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex\"\/><text x=\"54\" y=\"234\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n\">3<\/text><text x=\"94\" y=\"225\" class=\"svg-i\">Action 3: Favour native species<\/text><path d=\"M73.1,281.0 L73.1,303.0 L54.0,314.0 L34.9,303.0 L34.9,281.0 L54.0,270.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex\"\/><text x=\"54\" y=\"298\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n\">4<\/text><text x=\"94\" y=\"289\" class=\"svg-i\">Action 4: Look after water as a habitat<\/text><path d=\"M73.1,345.0 L73.1,367.0 L54.0,378.0 L34.9,367.0 L34.9,345.0 L54.0,334.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex\"\/><text x=\"54\" y=\"362\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n\">5<\/text><text x=\"94\" y=\"353\" class=\"svg-i\">Action 5: Conserve trees and shelter<\/text><path d=\"M73.1,409.0 L73.1,431.0 L54.0,442.0 L34.9,431.0 L34.9,409.0 L54.0,398.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex\"\/><text x=\"54\" y=\"426\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n\">6<\/text><text x=\"94\" y=\"417\" class=\"svg-i\">Action 6: Reduce inputs and protect pollinators<\/text><path d=\"M73.1,473.0 L73.1,495.0 L54.0,506.0 L34.9,495.0 L34.9,473.0 L54.0,462.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex\"\/><text x=\"54\" y=\"490\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n\">7<\/text><text x=\"94\" y=\"481\" class=\"svg-i\">Action 7: Involve the team, members and the community<\/text><\/svg><h2>Action 1: Survey and measure golf course biodiversity<\/h2><p>You cannot protect what you do not know. The first step in working on golf course biodiversity is a basic survey: which habitats exist (woodland, ponds, scrub, meadows, banks), which species are seen regularly and which areas are underused.<\/p><p>You can do it with your own team, using dated photographs and an observation sheet, and invite a local birdwatching society or a nearby university to help. This survey will be your starting point for measuring improvements and setting realistic priorities.<\/p><p>Set aside one morning in spring and another in autumn to walk the course for this purpose. Golf course biodiversity changes with the seasons, and comparing the same routes at different times of year reveals species that would otherwise go unnoticed: migratory birds, amphibians that breed after the rains, or plants that only flower for a few weeks.<\/p><h3>Repeat the survey and report progress<\/h3><p>This action is what gives all the others credibility. Repeat the survey every season and note new species, naturalised area, nest boxes installed and work carried out. That data lets you speak with facts and avoid empty messages.<\/p><p>Communicate honestly: what has been done, what is still missing and what is planned. A short report at the end of the year, with photos and data, is enough for the greens committee and for anyone who wants to know about the club&#8217;s environmental commitment.<\/p><h2>Action 2: Naturalise rough areas that do not affect play<\/h2><p>Reducing mowing frequency in areas outside the line of play lets grasses and wildflowers grow, providing food and shelter for pollinators. Select specific areas and mark them out clearly so they do not look neglected.<\/p><ul><li>Choose areas away from fairways and greens, where tall grass will not get in the way.<\/li><li>Stagger the height: a transition strip, with the tallest zone at the back.<\/li><li>Cut infrequently and remove the clippings so you do not enrich the soil.<\/li><\/ul><p>Besides the ecological benefit, there is a tangible saving: fewer mowing hours, less fuel and less wear on machinery. For whoever manages the budget, golf course biodiversity is also a matter of efficiency, as long as the naturalised rough is well planned and explained to players with signage.<\/p><figure class=\"ph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ph-27-1.jpg\" alt=\"Lake with riparian vegetation, an example of golf course biodiversity\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><figcaption>Lake with riparian vegetation, an example of golf course biodiversity<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>Action 3: Favour native species<\/h2><p>Local plants are adapted to the climate, need less water and support more wildlife than imported ornamentals. When renewing shrub beds, edges or banks, prioritise species native to your area and avoid any that could become invasive.<\/p><p>Ask a technician or the local nursery which species work in your environment. Over time, well-established native vegetation reduces irrigation, pruning and replanting, and gives the course colour and a character of its own.<\/p><p>Introduce changes in phases: one hole or one bank each season, watching how each species does before extending it. A native planting that is badly chosen or poorly watered in its first year can discourage the team, while a well-tended one encourages everyone to continue with the golf course biodiversity project.<\/p><h2>Action 4: Look after water as a habitat<\/h2><p>Lakes, ponds and streams are the heart of golf course biodiversity, because they concentrate wildlife and vegetation that is scarce elsewhere on the course. To let them fulfil their ecological role without compromising irrigation or play:<\/p><ol><li>Create margins with aquatic and riparian vegetation instead of completely bare edges.<\/li><li>Avoid applying fertilisers and other products near the water, and keep protective buffer strips.<\/li><li>Build gentle slopes that make it easy for amphibians to get in and out.<\/li><li>Watch the nutrient balance to prevent algal blooms.<\/li><\/ol><figure class=\"ph\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ph-27-2.jpg\" alt=\"Nest box installed to encourage golf course biodiversity\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><figcaption>Nest box installed to encourage golf course biodiversity<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>Action 5: Conserve trees and shelter<\/h2><p>Golf course biodiversity depends heavily on trees. Veteran trees, even with dead branches or cavities, shelter birds, bats and insects. Before felling or pruning, consider their ecological role and their real risk. Sometimes it is enough to close off the area around them rather than remove the tree.<\/p><p>Complement this with nest boxes, insect hotels, log piles and stone heaps in quiet areas. They are cheap investments that attract beneficial wildlife, and some, such as insect-eating birds, help control insect populations in the surroundings.<\/p><h2>Action 6: Reduce inputs and protect pollinators<\/h2><p>Golf course biodiversity improves with tighter management of fertiliser, water and plant protection products, which directly benefits wildlife. Apply integrated management criteria: monitor, prevent with cultural practices and treat only when necessary, always with an authorised adviser, following the label and current regulations.<\/p><ul><li>Avoid treatments when nectar-rich flowers are present in the immediate surroundings.<\/li><li>Adjust fertilisation according to soil analysis, without excess.<\/li><li>Keep protective strips next to sensitive areas.<\/li><\/ul><h2>Action 7: Involve the team, members and the community<\/h2><p>Golf course biodiversity gains strength when it is shared. Train the team to recognise species and avoid disturbance during breeding seasons. Inform members with signs on the most notable holes and propose observation days or planting days.<\/p><p>Working with schools, local associations or the authorities gives the club visibility and brings technical support. A community that sees the course as a valuable green space defends it more keenly, including against criticism about water use.<\/p><p>Tell concrete stories: the nest found on a quiet fairway, the species that has returned to the pond, or the planting carried out by a group of members. Communicating golf course biodiversity with real examples builds more connection than any statement of principles.<\/p><svg class=\"info\" viewBox=\"0 0 720 420\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Key takeaways\"><rect width=\"720\" height=\"420\" rx=\"6\" class=\"svg-dark\"\/><text x=\"28\" y=\"44\" class=\"svg-tw\">Key takeaways<\/text><line x1=\"28\" y1=\"58\" x2=\"120\" y2=\"58\" class=\"svg-line2\"\/><rect x=\"24\" y=\"76\" width=\"336\" height=\"96\" rx=\"4\" class=\"svg-card\"\/><path d=\"M75.3,114.0 L75.3,134.0 L58.0,144.0 L40.7,134.0 L40.7,114.0 L58.0,104.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex2\"\/><text x=\"58\" y=\"130.0\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n2\">1<\/text><text x=\"90\" y=\"119\" class=\"svg-c\">Start with a basic survey of<\/text><text x=\"90\" y=\"139\" class=\"svg-c\">habitats and species<\/text><rect x=\"372\" y=\"76\" width=\"336\" height=\"96\" rx=\"4\" class=\"svg-card\"\/><path d=\"M423.3,114.0 L423.3,134.0 L406.0,144.0 L388.7,134.0 L388.7,114.0 L406.0,104.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex2\"\/><text x=\"406\" y=\"130.0\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n2\">2<\/text><text x=\"438\" y=\"119\" class=\"svg-c\">Naturalise rough outside the<\/text><text x=\"438\" y=\"139\" class=\"svg-c\">line of play<\/text><rect x=\"24\" y=\"184\" width=\"336\" height=\"96\" rx=\"4\" class=\"svg-card\"\/><path d=\"M75.3,222.0 L75.3,242.0 L58.0,252.0 L40.7,242.0 L40.7,222.0 L58.0,212.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex2\"\/><text x=\"58\" y=\"238.0\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n2\">3<\/text><text x=\"90\" y=\"227\" class=\"svg-c\">Prioritise native, low-water<\/text><text x=\"90\" y=\"247\" class=\"svg-c\">vegetation<\/text><rect x=\"372\" y=\"184\" width=\"336\" height=\"96\" rx=\"4\" class=\"svg-card\"\/><path d=\"M423.3,222.0 L423.3,242.0 L406.0,252.0 L388.7,242.0 L388.7,222.0 L406.0,212.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex2\"\/><text x=\"406\" y=\"238.0\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n2\">4<\/text><text x=\"438\" y=\"227\" class=\"svg-c\">Look after pond margins and<\/text><text x=\"438\" y=\"247\" class=\"svg-c\">keep inputs away from water<\/text><rect x=\"24\" y=\"292\" width=\"336\" height=\"96\" rx=\"4\" class=\"svg-card\"\/><path d=\"M75.3,330.0 L75.3,350.0 L58.0,360.0 L40.7,350.0 L40.7,330.0 L58.0,320.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex2\"\/><text x=\"58\" y=\"346.0\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n2\">5<\/text><text x=\"90\" y=\"335\" class=\"svg-c\">Keep veteran trees and create<\/text><text x=\"90\" y=\"355\" class=\"svg-c\">simple shelters<\/text><rect x=\"372\" y=\"292\" width=\"336\" height=\"96\" rx=\"4\" class=\"svg-card\"\/><path d=\"M423.3,330.0 L423.3,350.0 L406.0,360.0 L388.7,350.0 L388.7,330.0 L406.0,320.0Z\" class=\"svg-hex2\"\/><text x=\"406\" y=\"346.0\" text-anchor=\"middle\" class=\"svg-n2\">6<\/text><text x=\"438\" y=\"335\" class=\"svg-c\">Measure every season and<\/text><text x=\"438\" y=\"355\" class=\"svg-c\">communicate with real data<\/text><\/svg><p class=\"src\">Further reading: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.miteco.gob.es\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MITECO<\/a>. Spain&#x27;s Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) gathers information on biodiversity conservation and protected species.<\/p><h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2><details class=\"faq\"><summary>Does improving golf course biodiversity affect playing quality?<\/summary><p>It does not have to. The work is concentrated in areas outside the line of play, such as edges, deep rough, banks and the surroundings of water. Greens, fairways and tee boxes continue to be maintained to the usual standards. The key is to mark out each area clearly and communicate it so it is not read as neglect.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"faq\"><summary>How much does it cost to start working on golf course biodiversity?<\/summary><p>The first actions are usually low cost: reducing mowing in specific areas, installing nest boxes, carrying out a survey with your own team and collaborating with local associations. Others, such as restoring margins or replanting, require investment, but in the medium term they can reduce irrigation and maintenance.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"faq\"><summary>How do I demonstrate the club&#x27;s commitment to biodiversity?<\/summary><p>With data and records: a species survey, the area managed with ecological criteria, work carried out and results observed. A simple annual report with dated photographs is more credible than a generic message. It is also worth communicating what remains to be done, to keep an honest and realistic tone.<\/p><\/details><aside class=\"cta\"><h3>Total Greenkeeper<\/h3><p>What is not recorded cannot be demonstrated. Total Greenkeeper helps you digitise maintenance processes and gather environmental indicators and reports for the course, with simple, intuitive documents to share with management and members.<\/p><p>Request a demo at totalgreenkeeper.com and give your sustainable management the visibility it deserves.<\/p><a class=\"btn\" href=\"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/#demo\">Request a demo<\/a><\/aside><h2>Keep reading<\/h2><ul class=\"rel\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/tree-management-golf-courses-pruning-criteria\/\">tree management on golf courses<\/a> <span>Tree management on golf courses: 6 pruning criteria<\/span><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/organic-fertilizers-on-golf-courses\/\">benefits of organic fertilisers<\/a> <span>Benefits of using organic fertilizers on golf courses<\/span><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/integrated-pest-management-golf-key-steps\/\">integrated pest management in golf<\/a> <span>Integrated pest management in golf: 6 key steps<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Does improving golf course biodiversity affect playing quality?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"It does not have to. 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Here are seven practical actions to support biodiversity, from naturalised rough areas to species records and working with the surrounding community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":26181,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24276","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sustainability"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24276","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/30"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24276"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24276\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25697,"href":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24276\/revisions\/25697"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26181"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24276"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24276"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totalgreenkeeper.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24276"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}