Enhanced ditch by Finley Reynolds
Fulford Heath Golf Course - A Natural Networks Case Study
Back in 2020, Fulford Heath Golf Course first started working with the Natural Networks team to enhance their course for wildlife and their members. The first phase of works took place over 2021 and saw the planting of native trees and bulbs plus the creation of wildflower strips and long piles across the course.
Since the original project, the team at Fulford Heath Golf Course were so keen to continue making enhancements for nature, the Natural Networks team helped to provide extra guidance on further habitat enhancements for the site.
Over the winter of 2022-23, the team got to work on improving a ditch and a pond.
Previous concrete slab lined ditch by Finley Reynolds
Adjacent to the 2nd fairway, a concrete-slab lined ditch provided a perfect feature, rich with enhancement potential. By removing the slabs and widening the ditch to have shallow sloping banks, the watercourse is automatically more wildlife-friendly. The addition of wildflower turf along the ditch edges additionally creates instant vegetative habitat and a pollinator food source.
Enhanced ditch by Finley Reynolds
Wildflowers such as ragged robin, meadowsweet, red campion, oxeye daisy and knapweed can be found lining the new ditch.
At the edge of the 15th fairway, a steep-sided pond was identified with potential for habitat improvement.
The existing pond at Fulford Heath Golf Course by Finley Reynolds
By enlarging the pond, it was possible to create shallow sloping edges.
The enhanced pond extension by Finley Reynolds
The reprofiled pond has been planted up with water mint, yellow flag iris, water forget-me-not, marsh marigold, purple loosestrife and marsh violet, amongst others. A wildflower seed mix has also been sown around the pond edge.
Overall, both projects at Fulford Heath Golf Course have been a great success for wildlife and the club now paves the way for wildlife friendly golf courses in the county.
