Heather and its management

Laurence Gale MScin Conservation & Ecology
Heather Heather and its management (Studies in Golf Course Management No. 7) Compiled by Bob Taylor and Lee Penrose is a must buy for all golf clubs that have to manage Heather on their golf courses.

Heather has in recent years been on a decline and has caused much concern for environmentalist groups. Currently, there is a growing recognition of the importance of Heather as an integral part of the golf course both from a playing and ecological perspective.

Heathland vegetation on golf courses is vulnerable and rapidly damaged, often irreversibly, by trampling and other associated pressures.

In 2002 , a survey of the status and distribution of heather on golf courses was undertaken by the STRI's Environmental Research Unit. The results of this survey along with many tips and information on the management of Heather has been put together in this revised publication.

The Authors:

Bob Taylor Bsc (Hons), MIEEM, MBPR Senior Ecologist STRI.

Bob joined STRI's advisory service as an agronomist in 1989, after graduating from Sheffield University with an Honours Degree in Pure Botany. Today he is best known for his un-paralleled in-depth knowledge of environmental/ecological issues relating to golf. His work concentrates on new golf developments:

· Environmental impact assessments (EIAs)
· Landscape design
· Impact mitigation
· Habitat enhancement

and existing golf courses:

· Habitat management (covering all principal vegetation types)
· Management planning
· Communication
· Environmental issues

Lee Penrose Bsc (Hons) Ecological Consultant

Lee is a consultant ecologist and environmental specialist specialising in golf course management. Widely recognised and well respected within the golf and environmental sectors throughout Europe. Specific expertise includes; grassland and woodland management, heathland restoration and habitat development whilst bringing about strategic and visual improvements to the golf course. Acting as environmental advisor to over 300 golf facilities, over the past 5 years, Lee also has a detailed understanding of management planning and environmental legislation.


Book contents:

Section 1. Introduction : Recognising heather and where is heather found.

Section 2. Background : Historical Perspective

Section 3. Heather & Golf : Perceptions, Types of courses, Dominant species, Status of heather and heather decline, Management techniques for golf.

Section 4. Heather in the Wider Countryside : Status and distribution, Plant and animal communities.

Section 5. Ecology and Biology: Life cycle , Habitat requirements, Ecology strategies-stress disturbance, Competition.

Section 6. Management: Historic Management, Management opportunities ,Other management issues.


Comment:

A concise factual and very informative booklet , a must have publication for golf course managers.

The booklet provides a complete insight to heather management with plenty of pictures , diagrams and tables of information to help you understand how to maintain control and repopulate Heather plantations.

The booklet is well laid out, combining the use of photographs and illustrations that provide relevant information for the reader to understand the principles and objectives of Heather management.

The aim of the book is to help readers, and particularly golf course carers, to become more aware of the value of managing heather resources.


Other information:

Published 2007 (60 pages).
The Book can be obtained from STRI Price: £7.50
ISBN :187-343-1503, ISBN : 978-187-343-1504
Published by the STRI (Sports Turf research Institute) Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1AU.
Tel - 01274 518918
www.stri.co.uk
Article Tags:
Conservation & ecology