Helping golf course wildlife in Staffordshire

Golf clubs across Staffordshire who want to find out more about managing their course in a wildlife-friendly way are being urged to sign up for a charity open golf tournament in summer.

Penn Golf Club is hosting the competition on June 22. It was asked by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust to host the prestigious day to showcase the excellent work it is already doing to protect and help wildlife on its heathland course on Penn Common. Club Captain Tony Smith said "We are very proud of what we are doing here at Penn, and we are delighted, in partnership with the Wildlife Trust, to demonstrate this and to encourage others to do the same."

Wildlife Trust trustee and keen golfer Peter Shirley said he hoped that every club in Staffordshire would enter a team for the event. He said: "For golf clubs, there are lots of benefits to working with the Wildlife Trust. The Trust may be able to help them apply for grants for managing parts of their course in an environmentally-friendly way, for example.

"So we are especially hoping to attract greens committee members, course managers and greens staff to the day. They will enjoy an excellent golf course and be able to talk to the people at Penn and the Trust about what they can do on their own course and where they can find help and support. There will be experts on hand all day and plenty of information for them to take away."

Mr. Shirley is also keen to hear from any companies or organisations who might want to offer sponsorship for the day. It will be an opportunity for suppliers and advisors to bring their products and services to the attention of course managers and green keepers throughout Staffordshire.

Anyone who would like to find out more about signing up for the tournament or sponsorship should contact Peter Shirley on 0121 532 9265 or email petershirley@blueyonder.co.uk or Ann Rafferty, Administrator, Penn Golf Club on 01902 341142 or secretary@penngolfclub.co