Advisory - Ecology - Services for Golf

Services for Golf

"We can only conserve habitat (biological) diversity once we recognise its existence."

The Ecological Services are designed to integrate environmental and wildlife conservation issues into our industry.  Each year the Team visits numerous golf courses throughout Europe, including the eight Open and many other prestigious venues, offering advice and guidance through several flexible, comprehensive services.

1.    Provisional Ecological Assessment. 

One full day on site, normally conducted as a hole-by-hole survey to provide the Club with a series of opportunities and recommendations targeted towards improving the strategic and ecological character of the golf course.  This service would provide sufficient information to allow the Club to formulate and develop a wider and more comprehensive prioritised Ecological Management Plan.  

For quotes please contact Bob Taylor or Lee Penrose.

2.    Ecological Management Plan. 

STRI would be pleased to produce a wide ranging Ecological Management Plan detailing the management requirements for the different areas and habitats on the course.  A detailed hole-by-hole description of the site would be included to aid clarity and all recommendations would be annotated on a scaled drawing. A comprehensive series of prescriptions would supply a structured, phased approach to which the golf club can follow.  The plan would be practical, giving due consideration to individual resource and management constraints.
The Ecological Management Plan with comprehensive report and drawings is charged differently for 9 holes,18 holes, 27 holes & 36 holes. Should additional time be required on the project, then this would be charged at an agreed rate.

For further information please contact Bob Taylor or Lee Penrose.

3.    Environmental Management Plan. 

"Environmental management relates to the products we buy and how we use them."
Energy efficiency and environmental issues-including waste and water management, chemical and fertiliser usage-are becoming an integral part of routine golf course management practices. This in part is due to developing legislation and greater public awareness.
An Environmental Management Plan would normally cover the whole facility, including the maintenance compound, Pro shop and clubhouse, giving recognition to the differing issues involved.

These may be wide ranging and include:-

  • Energy efficiency
  • Waste Management
  • Storage and disposal issues
  • Water Management
  • Washdown
  • Organic waste management
  • Current legislation and Best Management Practice.

Sustainable management through an Environmental Management Plan can be achieved at little, or no, cost through simple changes to operational procedures leading to a more efficient working environment whilst demonstrating a positive commitment to improving our local and global environment. Principal benefits to the golf could would be by direct cost savings, an overall increased efficiency through each area of the business and through ensuring compliance with current legislation.

For prices please contact Bob Taylor or Lee Penrose.
If undertaken with an Ecological Management Plan, this joint service would attract a 5% discount.

4.    Tree/Woodland Management. 

Trees are an integral part of many golf courses, providing strategic and aesthetic interest.  Tree management, although essential, is often undertaken in an indiscriminate manner or simply ignored due to the contentious nature of the work required.
STRI's arboricultural expertise within the golfing sector remains unparalleled.  The services offered range from:

  •  the creation of new native woodlands,
  •  the management of existing woodlands through comprehensive
     tree/woodland management programmes,
  •  hedgerow or woodland condition surveys,
  •  through to grant aid opportunities and felling licensing.

All may be offered as a package or separately.
Due to the varied nature of this work, fees are normally charged on an hourly basis although fixed quotation work can be provided.  Please contact the STRI Ecology Team for further details.

5.    Bespoke Services. 


A range of services covering specific interest areas can be tailored to meet individual golf club requests.  These range from:

  • protected species surveys
  • botanical and vegetation assessment
  • species surveys including birds, mammals, invertebrates, flora and fungi
  • through to representing golf clubs at legal inquiries.
    Please contact the STRI Ecology Team for further details and pricing: Bob Taylor or Lee Penrose.

6. Annual Subscription/Monitoring Services


Whether you are involved in a new golf course development or managing an established golf course, monitoring will be essential to ensure that the original aims are met.
Monitoring is normally provided through an ongoing subscription which could run in conjunction with our agronomy subscription scheme. Subscription visits typically consist of half a day on site covering selected holes and/or areas of particular concern and would be backed by a detailed report.  Providing advice on an annual and ongoing basis will give flexibility to fine-tune and tailor your work requirements.  STRI subscribers also receive unlimited telephone advice, the annual Journal of Turfgrass and Sports Surface Science and the quarterly International Turfgrass Bulletin.

For current charges please email Elizabeth Horner or telephone +44 01274 518918.