St Andrews Links Blog

Bumble Bees & Wild Flowers

Bumble bee numbers have declined by 70% over the past 40 years driven mainly by loss of habitat, with three species on the verge of extinction and some disappearing altogether. Golf Courses are well placed to put the essential habitat back to prevent further decline.

Here at the Links, we have designated wild flower areas totalling over 6000 square meters. These areas harbour many species including orchids (left) and the rare ‘maiden pink’ (right) providing bees and other pollinating insects with ideal conditions.

We even have two ‘bee villas’ (header image) that were delivered full of bees and are sited close by but well away from play.

In order to give wild flowers a chance to thrive, designated areas must be treated with a graminicide which kill off courser grasses such as Rye and Yorkshire fog while leaving the finer grasses like fescues and bents. As a result the sward is opened up, reducing competition and allowing space for wild flower establishment.

Above: 12th Strathtyrum. Below: 17th Eden.

The greenkeeping team here at the Home of Golf have an immense satisfaction that we are responsible for providing a much needed environmental resource, alongside great playing conditions and an enhanced golfing experience for all players.

 

Words by Richard Devlin, Deputy Course Manager – Eden, Strathtyrum & Balgove Courses