As spectators enjoy watching the likes of Tom Watson and Colin Montgomerie take to Carnoustie Golf Links to vie for The Senior Open Championship Presented By Rolex, they can also take in some wildlife spotting and compete amongst themselves to complete Carnoustie’s impressive bird and plant species lists.
In 2014 Carnoustie was recognised for its commitment to sustainable management when it achieved golf’s independently assessed eco-label, GEO Certified®. Earlier this year their work to protect native bumblebee species was also celebrated when they won STRI’s 2016 Operation Pollinator Award.
In June the club produced a new Environmental Guide which not only shares information on Carnoustie’s unique environment and the work of the club, but also provides an activities section to get members, guest and visitors more involved.
“We feel lucky to work in an area with such special and diverse wildlife, and we work hard to protect that wildlife and give it a safe home,” said Sandy Reid, Links Superintendent at Carnoustie Golf Links.
“We want to share our appreciation of the environment with our members and visitors, and to encourage everyone to get to know and enjoy the nature that’s around us. Our new Environmental Guide aims to do just that.”
The guide, produced with support from ecology specialists STRI and The R&A, is available at the clubhouse and on the clubs’ website. It provides a tick list of the 72 birds, 80 plants and 40 vertebrates and invertebrates found across the site, encouraging guests to spot as many as they can during their visit.
“We hope the guide creates an awareness of how Carnoustie is not only one of the worlds’ top golf courses, but that it is also, like many courses, a vital link in the local ecosystem and an important and safe habitat for a multitude of wildlife.”
The Carnoustie Golf Links Environmental Guide can be found at
www.carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk/environment.
