Highlights
- Integrating sustainable management into all course and club operations.
- Have rare species on site - protecting and enhancing habitat areas.
- Are using grass types more suited to the environmental conditions.
- Introduced out of season flail mowing/ scarifying practises, to ensure invasive species and broad leaved grasses are kept to a minimum and native species flourish.
- Use organic fertilisers.
- Reduced lorry emissions of previously hauling sand to Nairn, by using local indigenous sand.
Nairn Dunbar Golf Club is a traditional links golf course situated in Nairn, on the Moray Firth coast, demonstrating environmentally sustainable management projects.
They have introduced a detailed
10-year plan and golf course policy document to ensure best practice is followed. In 2016, they had almost 80% of their dune systems lost to invasive species which they have introduced management plans to allow native wildflowers and grasses to flourish across the site.
Nairn Dunbar Golf Club reduced their fertiliser use by 78%, their water use by 50% and chemical applications by 90%. They have stopped spraying fungicides and pesticides at Nairn Dunbar and use integrated turf management products to strengthen the turf to help it fight off any diseases or pests without relying on harmful chemicals. They moved from diesel powered machinery to hybrid reducing fuel usage. They have began mining their own sand used for topdressing surfaces, previously hauled from Ayrshire in arctic lorries, thus allowing them to save on the cost of sand and reduce emissions hauling the sand to Nairn.
They are reducing non-native trees along side the course and replanting natives. Wildlife is monitored and tracked by external organisations such as RSPB. They protect and enhance areas where rare species are found.
Nairn Dunbar Golf Club engagement is shared with members, local groups, schools and the community through social media, notice board, golf course blog, information evenings and course walks. These projects are achieving an increase in habitat varieties, improving playing experiences for golfers, and providing a positive contribution to wildlife.
“We are thrilled to have been commended for the VIBES Nature Rich Scotland Award. It is great to see that all the work we are doing as a club is being recognised as we strive to achieve environmental sustainability, provide a positive contribution to wildlife and continue to maximise the playing experience for members and guests.” Richard Johnstone, Course Manager
The Nature Rich Scotland Award recognises organisations who have adopted naturebased solutions to tackle
environmental and social challenges, whilst delivering benefits. Nature-based solutions use nature and natural
functions to tackle some of the most challenging issues faced today, including both mitigating and adapting to climate change.