GLENROTHES

GOLF COURSE

INTEGRATED

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

April 2007 – March 2010

An overview of the Glenrothes Golf Course Environment and a

Strategy for its conservation and enhancement

As part of Fife Council’s - 7 Course Strategy

With assistance from

Hole 18 Consulting and the Scottish Golf Environment Group

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CONTENTS Page

PART ONE 1. Introduction………………………………………………………………….5

2. Vision for the Golf Course…………………………………………………..6

3. Aims………………………………………………………………………….6

4. Purpose of the Integrated Environmental Management Plan……………..7

5. Implementation of the Integrated Environmental Management Plan…….8

PART TWO 6. General Site Details…………………………………………………………10

7. Environmental Management Planning…………………………………….13

8. Golf Course Maintenance – summary of current practices……………….16

9. Nature Conservation – summary of wildlife and habitats………………...25

10. Landscape and Cultural Heritage – assessment and evaluation………….49

11. Waste and Energy Management – summary of current practices………..57

12. Communications, Education and the Workplace………………………... 62

PART THREE 13. The Glenrothes Golf Course Operating Policies………………………….66

14. Environmental Management Planning…………………………………...68

15. Golf Course Maintenance…………………………………………………69

16. Nature Conservation – wildlife and habitats……………………………...70

17. Landscape and Cultural Heritage…………………………………………73

18. Waste and Energy Management…………………………………………..75

19. Communications, Education and the Workplace………………………...76

PART FOUR Action Plan

APPENDICES

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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PART ONE AIMS

1. Introduction:

The site occupied by Glenrothes Golf Course which was previously farmland, lies to the west

of the town of Glenrothes. Taking in 64.2 hectares in total of which 43 hectares are managed

for golf, the undulating site commands views from tree lined fairways of the Lomond Hills to

the North, and the Firth of Forth and Lothians to the South.

The course was established leading up into 1967, and opened for use in 1968, while,

Glenrothes, which was a new town, was being formed and constructed. Bounded by housing

developments to the north and east, and industrial land area to the south. The course is split in

two halves by the access road to Glenrothes Airport. The area to the west looking over to

Goatmilk farm, and agricultural ground. The site sits between 110m and 170m above sea

level, and the northern half of the course sits higher than the southern half, commonly referred

as the back 9.

The historic information gleaned during the site visit was inevitably fairly scant. It would be

useful if more information on the site could be researched for inclusion in the management

plan sections on Landscape and Cultural Heritage.

The golf course provides relatively stable and long term management of this green space,

which not only functions as a recreational venue but also valuable wildlife habitat for a range

of flora and fauna. This range of wildlife, (or biodiversity as it is often called), depends upon

the golf course for habitat, and in turn, how valuable that habitat is depends upon the actions

of those who look after it and their decisions for the future management and development of

the course.

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In turn, the mosaic of natural and managed habitats that makes up Glenrothes Golf Course

results in it being a valuable part of the wider mosaic of habitats and land use in the local

environment in this part of Fife.

This value is worth both preserving and enhancing, which can be achieved in many ways,

often at little cost and sometimes even cost- and labour-saving.

The Environment has become increasingly important at Glenrothes Golf Course, as it has

generally in Scotland’s golf sector. This Management Plan seeks to pull together all the

environmental information about the course to record work that has been done to date and to

plan for the protection of the course environment over the next 3 years in the first instance.

2. Vision for the golf course:

Fife Council through its Members and Officers and Partnerships is committed to

minimising the environmental impacts of its activities and improving the local

environment. As part of this policy it is vital to maintain the environment and promote the

wildlife of all Golf Courses, achieving some of these aims by enhancing the character and

ambience of the course, for the benefit of the golfer, visitors, local residents and the wider

community.

This Integrated Management Plan is set within the context of the Fife Council Local

Biodiversity Action Plan (Appendix 1.)

3. Aims:

3.1 Environmental Management Planning,

The council aims to ensure a forward thinking and integrated approach to

management issues affecting the whole site through a program of successive

management plans developed through effective consultation and regular review.

3.2 Turf grass and Water,

To produce the best possible surfaces for golf for as close to 12 months per year as is

possible.

To present the course for play on full greens, and tees for the longest practical period

per year.

To manage the golf course in a sustainable and low environmental impact manner, by

employing best practice and sound green keeping practices both traditional and

modern.

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3.3 Landscape and Cultural Heritage,

Based on research of the landscape qualities of the golf course, ensuring that actions

are evaluated and designed with regard to their potential impact on the character of

the golf course and its surrounds.

To acknowledge the importance of the area's archaeology and landscape history and,

through appropriate advice, undertake sensitive management.

3.4 Nature Conservation, Conserve and enhance the biodiversity of the golf course through ongoing, informed

management of species and habitats and thereby contribute to the aims of the Fife

Local Bio-diversity Action Plan and other relevant Initiatives.

3.5 Waste and Energy Management,

To minimise the amount of waste produced from the course and to ensure that all

handling and disposal practices meet with best environmental practice and legal

obligation.

To minimise the amount of energy consumption on the course and to ensure

maximum energy efficiency in all operations concerning the site.

3.6 Communications, Education and Awareness,

Internal - involve and inform all those involved in the course’s use and management

regarding ongoing issues, especially those concerning environmental management of

the golf course.

External - recognise, and seek to co-operate positively on local environmental and

community issues through appropriate partnerships.

4. Purpose of Environmental Management Plan:

4.1 To summarise the wide range of environmental issues relevant to Glenrothes

Golf Course

4.2 Maintain and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of Glenrothes Golf

Course through;

taking an holistic, integrated approach to managing the playing area and

surrounding environment,

identifying and maintaining existing good practice,

avoid unwitting environmental miss-management,

increasing knowledge and understanding amongst users, management and

staff of Glenrothes Golf Course,

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4.3 Through partnerships, identify sources of advice, funding and other resources,

4.4 Improve forward planning and co-ordination of available resources,

4.5 To facilitate active participation in other golfing and environmental initiatives

e.g. Scottish Golf Environment Initiative, BIGGA Golf Environment

Competition and Committed to Green

5. Implementation of the Plan:

5.1 This Integrated Management Plan is designed to document the future

management and development of Glenrothes Golf Course. The conservation

of Landscape Character and Nature Conservation are concerns for Fife

Council, which recognises that a longer term, Integrated Management Plan is

required to ensure that the management of the course is sympathetic to the

Landscape and Ecological needs of the area.

5.2 The Council believe that there is potential to reconcile the needs of the golfer

with those of the environment, and will strive to ensure that all management

practices conform to best environmental practice. For this reason the

Management Plan goes beyond recognition of Landscape and Ecological

quality, and specific action in these areas. It takes a holistic look at golf

course management, taking into account environmentally sensitive Waste

Management and Turf Management practices. It also details a programme of

action to raise awareness of the area’s environmental attributes, and the ways

in which the council is striving to ensure best practice in all areas of its work.

The programme will attempt to communicate this within the Council and also

to course user groups - ensuring environmental issues are at the forefront of

the council’s management planning for the course, and also make visitors,

local community and other interest groups more aware of their local

environment.

5.3 Through the Scottish Golf Environment Group, the Council can contribute to

the promotion of environmentally sensitive golf course design and

management.

5.4 The Council recognises that this Management Plan is an essential component

of its operations. It is the key to ensuring that the full range of environmental

issues relating to the management of the course are properly documented,

evaluated and understood. Through this process the Council can ensure that

future actions will be appropriate, and not unwittingly detrimental.

5.5 Although this document is an important aspect of the Council’s commitment

to environmental stewardship, we do recognise that it is only one component

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part. A Management Plan is only as good as that which it achieves. As such

the Council is aware that:

the management plan will have to be circulated for consultation with relevant

parties prior to implementation,

the Council will give the final plan its full and unconditional endorsement and

ensure that it will be continually drawn upon by successive managers and

greenstaff.

Golf course users should have access to the management plan and other

supporting information, to assist in the process of education. Without their

understanding of the intricacies of course management the Council may face

opposition over key aspects of environmental protection and enhancement,

annual Action Plans will be prepared from this Management Plan, and these

will be agreed by the listed consultees prior to implementation,

This Management Plan is set up initially for three years. At the end of this

period, the Plan and its implementation will be formally reviewed by the

Council. The Management Plan will also be updated and revised at this point,

in consultation.

5.6 The following sections of the Plan look in detail at each of the Environmental

issues addressed by the Council. The Plan has been categorised in this way to

provide a clearer structure for the implementation of specific actions and to

make it as readable and easily understandable as possible. This will result in

greater understanding within the Council, user groups and greenstaff.

5.6 Although the issues are categorised, and shown as discrete sections, this is an

integrated Plan, in which many of the issues and actions are interrelated.

Environmental issues are often interrelated with golf, and are often related to

each other. For example, tree planting will affect the golfer, landscape

character and ecology and therefore needs to be considered carefully with all

of these aspects in mind.

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PART TWO

SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

6. General Site Details:

Glenrothes is one of seven municipal golf courses owned and managed by Fife

Council. Established in 1967, this 18-hole course was developed during the building

of the new town of Glenrothes

It is located west of Glenrothes occupying a undulating site giving views over farm land and

vistas to the north and south. The site extends to 64.2 hectares of which 43 hectares are

managed for golf. The soils are generally clayey. Most of the natural vegetation, much of it

gorse scrub, is to be found on the northern side of the course and on rocky knolls throughout

the course.

Overall responsibility for Glenrothes Golf Course lies with Fife Council, Community

Services, Parks and Countryside, although the day to day management of the course is

maintained by 5 members of Green keeping staff.

The main users of the course are pay-and-play golfers, although Glenrothes Golf Club owns

and manages the clubhouse on site.

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The following information was achieved using recent GIS mapping of the course.

m2 ha %

Greens 7483 0.75 1.2

Bunkers 1515 0.15 0.2

Tees 5177 0.52 0.8

Grass (fairways and mown rough) 411589 41.2 64

Woodland and gorse 184960 18.5 29

Rough 31012 3.1 4.8

Total 641736 64.2 100

The golf course provides relatively stable and long term management of an area of green

space, which not only functions as a recreational venue but also valuable wildlife habitat for a

range of flora and fauna. This range of wildlife, (or biodiversity as it is often called), depends

upon the golf course for habitat, and in turn, how valuable that habitat is depends upon the

actions of those who look after it and their decisions for the future management and

development of the course.

Fortunately, what is good for the golfer is often good for the local environment. This is

clearly illustrated by the importance all round the course of the gorse scrub, tree planting,

rough grass, and pond and wet habitat, both in and out of play. Not only do all these variously

add character, definition, shelter, backdrops, distance markers, challenge and texture to the

course, they also make up a significant part of the wildlife habitat in the area. The overall golf

course habitat is already important due to its size, diversity and continuity, and can be further

enhanced by enrichment, expansion and increased connectivity through appropriate

management.

In turn, the mosaic of natural and managed habitats that makes up Glenrothes Golf Course

results in it being a valuable part of the mosaic of habitats and land use in the wider

environment in this part of Fife. For the last 40 years, the golf course has effectively given

protection to this little patch of fairly natural habitat whilst much of the surrounding land was

given over to the disturbance of farming and other industrial and urbanising activity.

This special value is well worth acknowledging, preserving and enhancing, all of which can

be achieved in many ways, often at little cost and sometimes even being cost and labour

saving.

Soils

The soils in the region of Glenrothes Golf Course is naturally fertile, hence the arable

farmland on the west of the course. The texture would be best described as ranging from

“loam to heavy clay” The design of the greens comprises “irregular dish” shapes. This was in

no doubt in response to hold moisture in the greens. Given the slow but steady increase in

rainfall throughout the year, there has been an increase in problems with drainage and

playability at times

Drainage

Being an undulating site on heavy soil, drainage is important at Glenrothes. The drainage is

provided through a mixture of old and modern styles and natural surface drainage for the

greater part of the course. The most recent addition to the drainage for Glenrothes is a system

of plastic perforated pipe with gravel and root zone sand backfill to bring formerly troubled

greens into a good drainage condition. Some localised areas drain into soakaways. The

majority of the new drainage on the back 9 links into the open watercourse which passes

through the course

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Climate and Climate change

The climate on the East of Scotland and especially Fife is getting milder and wetter especially

in the winter, whilst growing seasons are getting slightly longer. Being on the eastern side of

the country it is relatively dry in Scottish terms. According to the local weather station for the

Fife area, rainfall lies between 45 and 85 mm per month, driest in February and April and

wettest in August to November. The temperature range is usually 0 to 18 °C. In the winter,

temperatures can range from – 6 to +10 C. In the summer, day time temperatures typically

range between 14 and 23C. Climate change is also expected to bring greater seasonal

extremes and windier conditions mainly in autumn and winter.

All this will have a significant effect on turf growth and quality and consequently the

playability of the course. It is important that management of the course anticipates the impact

these changes will have over the coming decades by setting in place management policies that

will help the Course adapt over time.

Golf is one of man’s activities which is intricately associated with the natural environment

and therefore heavily influenced by climate. We all know that Nature does not stand still, both

in its effects and consequences, and climate change, whether or not brought on or sped up by

man’s activities, is currently seen as one of the biggest challenges ahead for the world as a

whole.

In Scotland, all predictions point to significant changes in weather patterns over the next fifty

to a hundred years, to different degrees north, south, east and west. The picture ahead is that

of a wetter, milder, windier Scotland. In short, that will mean more rain, which in turn will

mean wetter land and more water in rivers and streams. With it will come rising sea and river

levels and consequently higher water tables and associated drainage problems. The changes

will not come all at once, but gradually over the years. Climate change will have

consequences for all, and directly so for all land-based activities including golf.

Many golf courses across Scotland are experiencing wetter conditions than ever before, and

extended growing seasons. This pattern is set to get worse, so any club experiencing problems

now to do with water and drainage management can expect to have even more to deal with in

the future. The challenge for these clubs will certainly be to plan ahead and not wait to

respond as circumstances overtake them. This will not necessarily require or lead to major

action overnight or at all, but will set a framework for addressing and reviewing the situation

over time depending on priorities and available resources.

Public access

Being public land, Glenrothes Golf Course has been open to public access for many years.

Presently due to changes with legislation regarding rights of access, Fife Council Community

Services Countryside Rangers are working on identification of Core pathways, (the Council’s

role in the National Access Strategy) some of which adjoin the course. Consultation will

follow where changes are required, which could impact on concerned parties.

People inevitably walk across the course itself, using the various paths that cut through parts

of the fairways. These paths also create useful shortcuts for greens machinery and have also

inadvertently introduced useful habitat diversity by providing sheltered open space within the

planting where birds and butterflies can sun themselves when no humans are around.

The golf course therefore has a very important role in providing part of a logical and

manageable network of public access for local residents. The present arrangements work well,

but as part of health and safety, the Council has a Duty of Care towards all users of the park,

who in turn have a duty of care to other users.

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7. Environmental Management Planning – Summary of Current

Practices:

Fife Council’s stated aim for Environmental Management Planning at

Glenrothes is:

The Council aims to ensure a forward thinking and integrated approach to management issues

affecting the whole site through a program of successive management plans developed

through a team approach, effective consultation and regular review.

Reports Obtained Varied reports have been obtained from external sources over the years and the Council shall

continue to seek reports to assist with the management of the course as seen appropriate.

Examples of sources are as follows

John Quinn, Hole 18 Ltd

STRI (The Sports Turf Research Institute)

SGEG (The Scottish Golf Environment Group)

Fife’s Seven Course Initiative Until 2005, relatively little emphasis has been placed specifically on integrated management

planning for Glenrothes (or indeed the other courses under the auspices of Fife Council). As a

consequence, the approach taken to date has probably, as on many golf courses, focussed on

management of the playing area for golf, with other non-statutory environmental issues and

impacts either being accepted, unrecognised, ignored or perhaps mainly dealt with on an “as

and when” basis.

However, over recent years, local authorities have increasingly been taking steps to promote

and practise improved environmental standards generally, both in respect of their own actions

and what they require or can persuade others to do. “Best Value” and a sustainable future are

increasingly what councils are setting as their benchmark. As such, management practices can

no longer be developed on a single issue basis at the expense of the wider gamut of issues that

affect sustainability. They must now be looked at in the round. Typically, this will involve

examining and improving energy, water, waste and other resource management, pollution,

biodiversity, communication and consultation, amongst many socio-environmental issues.

Consequently, Fife Council has developed environmental strategies and policies to help

deliver these aims. These are the main points of reference for developing and tailoring

environmental management policies, aims and objectives for Fife Council’s seven golf

courses including Glenrothes, collectively in the 7 Course Strategy and individually through

separate Management Plans for each course such as this one.

This process accords well with the “Take a Pride in Fife” State of the Environment Reports

and SEA (Strategic Environmental Assessment). See Appendices 2 and 3.

Whilst the Seven Course initiative is being directed at a strategic level through a group

comprising the relevant department and area managers, at the individual course level, the

involvement of greenstaff is vital, and some participation from golfers and other users, highly

desirable. The intention is to put mechanisms in place to enable and encourage working

groups to (1) operate effectively in the environmental programme themselves and (2) to tap

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more widely into relevant expertise either within or outwith the council, such as LBAP

officers, countryside rangers, access officers, landscape specialists, waste officers, local

historians etc. This expertise will be of use in strategic long term planning as well as on

individual projects and actions and good communications and shared awareness amongst all

stakeholders is fundamental to this.

What is an Integrated Management Plan An Integrated Management Plan is one which guides site management in an holistic rather

than single issue way, seeing and dealing with the implications of issues and actions from

multiple perspectives.

This Integrated Management Plan for Glenrothes provides:

(a) a review and assessment of past and current practices across a wide range of

environmental issues, with due attention to their interdependence

(b) pulling together collective advice from all perspectives, prioritising and tailoring

recommendations to suit the site;

(c) identifying and allocating available resources; and

(d) scheduling a programme of implementation that is practical, realistic and achievable.

It will act both as a record and reference, and will give a positive and progressive steer to the

way the course functions in the future. Moreover, in the long term, it will aid communication

and continuity in the event of changes in personnel.

A site layout plan is an extremely useful tool in developing and implementing an Integrated

Management Plan. It provides an ideal way of mapping and monitoring plans and actions as

the management plan progresses, and a useful visual means of communication to others.

Photography will also give valuable recording and monitoring assistance over time.

The fact that Fife Council has good digital mapping facilities (GIS) will be a very valuable

tool for Glenrothes in mapping different issues which can be looked at individually or layered

to see the combined effect. Maps, surveys, reports, habitat management plans etc are

either attached or stored elsewhere and cited as appendices to this Management Plan.

Management Plans for Golf Courses are typically set up to cover a 3 to 5 year period. Fife

Council has adopted a 3-year system to tie in with Council funding periods and 3-year review

period of the Scottish Awards Scheme for Environmental Excellence on Golf Courses.

SGEG Environmental Award Scheme One of Fife Council’s ambitions is to improve the environmental management of its seven

municipal courses to a level at which some or all of them could apply for the Scottish Award

for Environmental Excellence on Golf Courses soon or over the next few years. In order to

dovetail future course management with the Award Scheme, those categories of the Award

Scheme to be aimed for form the basis of this Management Plan.

The six categories within the Award Scheme are:

Environmental Management Planning

Turfgrass and Water

Landscape and Cultural Heritage

Nature Conservation

Waste and Energy

Communications, Education and the Workplace

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Although SGEG’s aim is to promote best practice across the board on golf courses, many

activities are regulated by law anyway. SGEG’s Environmental Award Scheme includes

declaration by the club, or in this case Fife Council, that they are aware of the relevant

environmental legislation in each of the award categories and of their full compliance with it.

The Register of Environmental Legislation provided by SGEG will be the starting point for

this exercise. (Appendix 4).

The Award Criteria are presented in Appendix 5. For Glenrothes the Environmental

Programme will be administered via Council officers working with elected members of the

Glenrothes Golf Club Committee, however input from general playing members shall always

be considered.

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8. Golf Course Maintenance – Summary of Current Practices:

Fife Council’s stated aim for Glenrothes Golf Course Maintenance is:

To produce the best possible surfaces for golf for as close to 12 months per year as is

possible.

To present the course for play on full greens and tees for the longest practical period per year.

To manage the golf course in a sustainable and low environmental impact manner, by

employing best practice and sound green keeping practices both traditional and modern.

Turfgrass and Water Management In 2006, Fife Council commissioned Hole-18 Consulting to produce a “7 Course Strategy” to

guide the future management of Fife’s municipal golf courses according to best golf and

environmental practice. (Appendix 6.)

Water Management

The clubhouse and golf course use mains water. Manual watering by hose is available to

greens only. The total area irrigated is 0.75 Ha which represents 1.2% of the total golf course

area. (i.e. only the “Greens” areas are irrigated.)

Surface / Waste Water

Surface / Waste water run-off currently leaves the course at various points. Drainage is

primarily through pipes, however soak aways are used at localised trouble spots. Some newer

installed perforated pipe sections on the back 9 exit into the watercourse which transverses

the course.

8.1 Greens (Total area 0.75 hectares)

Construction: Slighty dish style of greens constructed of local topsoil over clay. Topsoil is

fairly heavy clay-loam, and without formal drainage in most cases.

Grass species: 90% poa annua (annual meadow grass) with some finer bent and ferscue

grasses still existing.

Fertiliser: Currently applying around 840kg of fertiliser per year as a mixture of Spring /

Summer, Autumn/Winter. The N levels at 87 kg/ha/yr are ideal and there is no requirement to

reduce these levels further.

Product Type (NPK, minerals and

trace elements)

Rate g/m3 Frequency

Spring/Summer 12.0.12 +2% mg 30 g/m2 2 application

Autumn/Winter 5.0.15 +4% Fe and 2% mgo 30 g/m2 1 application

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This low nitrogen and zero phosphate program has paid dividends in recent years.

At 117kg/ha/yr, the K level is fine too. For both N and K, the advice should be to monitor

progress and modify on agronomic advice as necessary.

Fungicide:

Disease Location Treatment Rate

Fusarium Greens, curative spot

treatments only as and

when required

Turfclear

Rovral Green

800ml to 1000m2

1000ml to 500m2

Mowing:

Season Frequency Cutting Height

April - June 3-5 days per week 5 mm

July – October 3-5 days per week 3 mm

November - March 0-2 days per week 6 mm

Scarification: – 4 times per year

Aeration and surface drainage: - 1 0ccasion per year, Hollow core 1 year in 3, Solid

core 2 year in 3

Switching and brushing: – when cutting

Overseed and top dress: - 2 times per year

Spiking: – 13 times per year

8.2 Tees (Total area 0.52 hectares)

Construction: – mostly clay based topsoil forming irregular shaped and elevated sites, no

formal drainage

Grass species: - a mix of smooth-stalked meadow grass, dwarf ryegrass and fescues.

Ryegrass forming the greater percentage of body, which provides an area less prone to

divot damage.

Fertiliser: The N levels at 51 kg/ha/yr are ideal and there is no requirement to reduce

these levels further. This low nitrogen and zero phosphate program has paid dividends in

recent years. Although unlikely, if clippings are ever to be removed from tees, there may

be a need to increase N applications at that point.

At 310 kg/ha/yr, the K level is fine too. For both N and K, the advice should be to

monitor progress and modify on agronomic advice as necessary.

Type (NPK,

minerals and

trace elements)

Rate g/m3 Frequency

Spring

Summer 12.0.12 +2% mg 30 g/m2 1 application

Autumn 5.0.15 +4% Fe

and 2% mgo

30 g/m2 1 application

Winter

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Mowing:

Season Frequency Cutting Height April - June 1-2 times per week 12 mm

July – September 2-3 times per week 10 mm

October - March 1-0 times per week 12-14 mm

Scarification: – 4 times per year

Aeration and surface drainage: - 1 0ccasion per year, Hollow core 1 year in 3, Solid

core 2 year in 3

Overseed and top dress: - 2 times per year

Spiking: – 13 times per year

8.3 Aprons and Surrounds

Construction: – Constructed of local topsoil over clay. Topsoil which is fairly heavy

clay-loam, and without formal drainage in most cases.

Grass species: - Poa annua (annual meadow grass) with some smooth-stalked meadow

grass, dwarf ryegrass

Fertiliser: - see greens table

Herbicide: - see greens table

Fungicide – see greens table

Mowing:

Season Frequency Cutting Height April - June 2-3 times per week 12-14 mm

July – September 3-1 times per week 10-14 mm

October - March 1-0 times per week 14 mm

Scarification: – 4 times per year

Aeration and surface drainage: - 1 0ccasion per year, Hollow core 1 year in 3, Solid

core 2 year in 3

Switching and brushing: – when cutting

Overseed and top dress: - 2 times per year

Spiking: – 13 times per year

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8.4 Fairways (total area approximately 41.2 hectares)

Construction: – heavy clay soil no artificial surface constructions; improved drainage on

localised areas into watercourse and soakaways

Grass species: – smooth stalked meadow grass, ryegrass and poa annua.

Fertiliser: – 1 application 9.7.7. to main sections of fairways 68g to m2

Herbicide: - see table under Greens

Mowing:

Season Frequency Cutting Height April - June 1-2 times per week 19 -17 mm

July – September 3-1 times per week 15-17 mm

October - March 1- 0 times per week 19 mm

Aeration and surface drainage: – Slit tining 9 times per year.

Reinstatement as required through out year.

8.5 Rough (total area 3.1 hectares)

Construction: – heavy clay soil.

Grass species: - smooth stalked meadow grass, ryegrass and poa annua.

Fertiliser: – none

Herbicide: – none

Fungicide: - none

Mowing: - as required

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8.7 Bunkers There are 44 bunkers at Glenrothes Golf Course. These are located at greens, fairways and

rough and vary in size and depth. The sand is Fife silica and Collessie MSBE Divilla, a

medium to coarse type sand, of mainly rounded grain shape and white in colour. This allows

free draining of the bunkers.

They are raked by maintenance staff daily. Renovation work is mainly in the winter when

they are edged up, weeded and repaired as necessary.

8.8 Woodlands and Trees in relation to golf Glenrothes has a large sections of woodland, informal, semi natural and scrubby plantings of

mixed species with conifer types forming the larger percentage. These are inspected as

required for maintenance, however require little attention at this time.

8.9 Pathways The Pathways in general have survived the damage often found on larger courses due to

mechanical golf buggies and trolleys.

The main paths presently have a grass or locally sourced gravel surfaces and provide links to

each new playing area. Some sections are informal, where a choice of passage can be chosen.

Most maintenance work is done in the winter period, mainly resurfacing. Vehicle traffic over

the course has been reduced over the years to a minimum level, and benefits in grass growth

has already been witnessed on previously used routes

The main entrance is tar macadam surface which leads into the main car park area. The car

park is unlit, but being close to the main road, gains some ambient light.

8.10 Course furniture Course Furniture - there is a potential plan to develop a Fife style of furniture to be installed

at all Parks and Golf Courses. A decision has yet to be taken as to the type of materials to be

purchased (e.g. re-cycled, natural, etc)

Presently at Glenrothes Golf Course the furniture is minimal and simple in style. None of it

bears Fife Council or Club logos.

Flags These have Municipal plastic poles, with red flags for all 18 holes.

Tee markers Tee markers are made in house by Parks and Countryside staff, from hard wood. Half round

style with angled painted ends and central spike ground anchor. The materials for these is

most often material recycled from hard wood round tree stakes, although on occasions new

stakes are used, the stakes them self are a salvaged product from the fabrication of hardwood

veneers, and formerly was a by product sent to landfill disposal.

Fairways: There are no fairway distance markers.

Bunker Rakes Bunker rakes are available, but normally for more formal occasions

22

Ball washers The ball washers used on the course are cast units of a style more favoured of larger courses,

mounted on support poles and carry a mix of normal tap water and cleaning solution.

Bins The general type at Glenrothes Golf Course is a wire caged receptacle, pyramid style in shape

with a open top.

Benches Benches are available at different points on the course and at the Club house, and comprise of

slatted park style benches with metal frame work. Fife Council plan to develop a Fife style

for all courses and are investigating what materials to use (e.g. re-cycled, natural).

Signage All information signs are dark brown in colour, while tee information signs are standard black

text on white backgrounds with coloured sections to indicate tee position use.

8.11 Grass Cuttings Presently it is common practice to disperse grass cuttings rather than remove them from the

course. This is done by broadcasting into Gorse areas, however in the past it was more normal

to dispose in small piles through out the course. There is still evidence of where this has

occurred. Such dumping of grass results in significant local nutrient enrichment that changes

the botanical composition of the site. An occasional nettle clump arising from such practices

can be useful butterfly feeding in non-sensitive areas, but ideally dumping or dispersal of

grass clippings in rough or natural vegetation is to be avoided other than locations which have

been accepted as suitable, and some times sacrificed but still managed for the task.

8.12 Outside Advice Although outside advice has been limited in the past this project will help to develop the

course and advice will be sought from agencies and organisations like Scottish Golf

Environmental Group, etc.

In previous years advice has been sought on occasions. Fife Council has obtained agronomic

advice from STRI and worked to some of these recommendations. They may well be used

again in the future. Other advice has been sought and accepted from fertiliser, chemical and

golf supplies companies such as Rigby Taylor and Richard Aitkens. Machinery advice is

occasionally sought from manufactures i.e., Ransomes, Toro and suppliers e.g., Double A and

Henderson’s Grass Machinery amongst others.

8.13 Irrigation On the front nine, the irrigation system was formerly fed from an above ground holding tank

which has just recently been capped and closed by Scottish Water leaving the system fed

under general mains pressure. To the back nine, the system is fed from an above ground

holding tank via an electric water pump which feeds via a series of water tobies located at

various points throughout the course. The system is normally maintained by the Councils in

house Facilities department, however at times external companies are called on when needed.

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8.14 Vermin Control The main vermin includes rabbits and moles. Presently Fife Council Parks & Amenities have

a local arrangement with a pest control specialist. This arrangement manages the vermin

control to a satisfactory level.

8.15 Integrated Pest Management Fife Council in effect is operating an integrated approach to pest management by focussing on

cultural and mechanical turf management techniques to promote plant health and reduce

chemical usage over time.

Pest and Disease Tolerance thresholds for action are shown in Appendix 7

8.16 Greenkeeper Training Annually each employee has a staff development and appraisal meeting this is cross-

referenced to existing in house initiatives and training opportunities to bring all staff in line

with other council employees.

Fife Council operates a green keeping training programme, which entails staff progressing

through SVQ I to III. Staff is also trained in chemical spraying through PA1 (induction), PA2

(tractor mounted operations) and PA6 (knapsack spraying). Other training includes chainsaw

use and first aid. The head greenkeeper in addition to his standard qualifications, has also

completed and passed a NEBSS (National Education of Business Supervisory Studies)

qualification.

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25

9. Nature Conservation - Survey and Evaluation of Wildlife and

Habitats:

Aim: Nature Conservation,

Conserve and enhance the Biodiversity of the golf course through ongoing, informed

management of species and habitats and thereby contribute to the aims of the Fife

Local Biodiversity Action Plan.

Surveys No formal habitat or species surveys appear have been carried out at Glenrothes Golf Course.

As with all resources, the most important step in management is to know what you have and

understand its value. Only then can aims and objectives be set and management practices and

projects actioned to achieve them.

It will therefore be good at a fairly early stage in the management planning process to have

the whole site surveyed both as a record of species present and a base line against which to

measure change achieved through positive management in the years to come.

A Phase 1 Habitat Survey would identify, map and describe the main habitats, giving

dominant plant species and target notes about special value in each compartment. A Phase 2

Habitat Survey could subsequently be done to provide a more in depth detail for the most

valuable areas, which would produce a comprehensive species inventory and DAFOR

analysis to record relative populations. (DAFOR = Dominant, Abundant, Frequent,

Occasional, Rare for each species in the compartments surveyed.) Whilst Phase 1 and 2

Surveys focus on plant species, surveyors usually compile anecdotal list of birds, mammals,

amphibians and invertebrates they observe casually during their visit. It is also possible to do

specialist surveys (e.g. birds, bats, butterflies, fungi) should that be wanted and there are

many ways of getting these done (e.g. specialist surveyors, local ranger services, amateur

naturalist groups etc).

As well as being of value for course management, such information is of great value to Local

Biological Record Centres and the LBAP process, in which there are biodiversity targets also

embraced within the TAPIF (Take a Pride in Fife) Strategy. Glenrothes Golf Course should

forward copies of survey data to TAFEN (previously FERN) for their central records.

Fife LBAP As things have been developed in the Fife LBAP, golf courses are included in the Urban and

Built Environment Habitat Action Plan (HAP). Golf Courses are therefore seen as being able

to help meet Urban HAP targets. Perhaps there is scope to develop a Golf Course Project

under the Urban HAP.

The long-term goals of Fife’s Urban and Built Environment HAP most relevant to golf

courses are:

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Protect urban sites important for wildlife from changes in land use

Raise awareness amongst the general public of the importance and value of urban

diversity

Encourage communities to survey, plan and manage urban wildlife habitats

Ensure the conservation and enhancement of wildlife is incorporated into the

management of urban greenspace.

Amongst the Target Actions in the Urban HAP most relevant to golf courses are:

Identify suitable areas for urban biodiversity projects through consultation with

communities and working with FERN to make use of data from recent urban habitat

surveys

Work with biodiversity partnership, businesses and other organisations to promote

biodiversity and ways in which it can be integrated into business, eg through

environmental management systems, action and development plans and practical

management of their land

Produce and implement landscape plans for the countryside around settlements – a

strategic action to be developed by Fife Council Development Service but the sort of

thing individual golf courses could help deliver.

As Fife Council’s seven golf courses are so varied in their habitat composition, there is huge

scope for them to contribute to the diversity and care of Fife’s wildlife, with each course,

including Glenrothes, having a different and special role to play. Given the extent of

grasslands around the course the likely option would be to champion the Skylark.

Main Habitats of Importance at Glenrothes Golf Course

The following notes, which are largely derived from the SGEG Environmental Summary

Report 2006 (Appendix 8) give a broad and preliminary impression of the natural habitat

resource that exists at Glenrothes, an indication of some of the good and less good practices

and achievements to date and some pointers as to what steps might be taken in the future.

Habitat management is largely about providing opportunity for creatures’ various needs:

feeding, resting, breeding, cover and safe passage. The bigger the habitat areas, the more

connectivity and the better the compositional quality the more valuable the habitat will

become to a wider range and greater populations of creatures.

Grasslands There are numerous good areas of rough grassland that have been allowed to develop in

recent seasons, mostly on the southern half of the course.

Good examples of areas that have

been allowed to naturalise are

already found on the course

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Rough grassland, managed for wildlife, is beneficial to the golfer. For their success

wildflowers depend on the fine leaved, slow growing grasses also desirable on the golf

course. The thick, rank grassland that is undesirable for golf smothers them. Rough grass also

provides much needed nest sites for birds such as Meadow Pipit and Skylark, both in decline

nationally due to loss of habitat. It provides nesting sites and an invertebrate food supply for

both adults and young birds. There is scope for both these species at Glenrothes. It is also

valuable for many small mammals, and thereby for the birds and animals that prey on them.

Ideal management for wildflowers involves cutting in late summer after the flowers have set

seed, and nesting birds have left the area. It is vital that the cuttings are removed to avoid

nutrient build up. Cuttings left on the surface will suppress germination of wild flower seed

and increase the nutrient status of the soil encouraging ranker vegetation to establish.

Such management can result in wildflower species, which were previously suppressed, in

regenerating naturally. Alternatively, if there is little natural regeneration, wildflowers can be

introduced. Sowing seed into an established sward is rarely successful. However, planting

wildflower plugs, available from wildflower suppliers, is usually more successful, providing

the correct management regime is followed thereafter.

Suggested areas for enhanced grassland management

There are many opportunities at Glenrothes to increase the amount and quality of rough

grassland on the course without making the course too difficult for the higher handicap golfer.

Opportunities can be sought through identification of out of play areas and by looking

creatively at how the course plays. Carries in front of tees, through the greens and shaped /

contoured fairways will all add character and challenge to the course, without necessarily

adding too much difficulty or slowing up play. By reducing cutting frequency and chemical

use in such areas it will be possible to reduce annual maintenance costs. This additional

grassland will provide habitat for many species of flora, invertebrate and small mammals.

A number of specific opportunities for grassland management are suggested below.

The woodland alongside the third has a substantial rough grassland buffer. This is

good practice and creates excellent long grass habitat for invertebrates and small

mammals. However it is not ideal for golf as it is developing into a thick, rank

structure. Implementation of an annual back end cut-and-lift management regime

will thin out the sward, improving its structure and facilitating ball retrieval and play.

In this situation a 2-3 metre width along the edge could be put into such management,

leaving the longer rough beside the trees intact. This will provide a diversity of

habitats, whilst improving the playing quality of the rough.

The first 2-3m in from the semi-

rough could be managed,

leaving the longer rough closer

to the trees.

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There are huge opportunities to create rough grassland alongside the 11th. The left

hand side of the fairway is closely managed as semi-rough. However, much of this

managed area is out of play, and could be taken out of regular management and

developed as good quality rough grassland.

Suggested area for rough grass management at the 11th

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Areas such as this ‘bulge’ into the woodland could be allowed to develop as rough

grassland

Suggested line

of mowing

This area to the left of the 18th is being mown unnecessarily. It is largely out of play,

and managed as rough grassland would compliment the adjacent wetland habitat.

Stop mowing in

this area left of

the 18th

This wide fairway could be contour mown to create a more attractive hole and allow

the development of rough grass fringes to the fairway. This can be introduced over

time to allow regular visitors and members the opportunity to become accustomed to

a narrower fairway.

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Looking up to

the clubhouse

from the 18th

tee

Water courses and wetlands

Open ditches, burns and drainage channels are important links for wildlife, as well as features

on the course. They provide corridors for movement between habitats and can help increase

diversity. There are a number of ways in which management can enhance these features.

In out of play areas they should be allowed to develop a buffer zone of rough

vegetation to intercept and filter any runoff from chemical applications.

No-spray zones should be retained (currently 8 metres wide) alongside, further

reducing the likelihood of accidental pollution.

Where they have to be close mown to the edge, avoid grass clippings being spread

into them, or remove as much as possible.

Periodic maintenance is necessary to ensure that

ditches function correctly and aid drainage. Care

should be taken with the timing of such work.

The spring and early summer (April to July)

should be avoided for all wetland work and ditch

maintenance, to avoid disturbance of breeding

amphibians and invertebrates, and accidental

destruction of spawn, larvae etc. Where possible

ditch maintenance should be carried out in

sections over two to three years if possible,

leaving the undisturbed sections as retreats for

wildlife whilst work is being carried out. Where

this is not possible, clearing only one bank at a

time will also provide refuge for invertebrates and

amphibians. Any cleared vegetation should be left

on the bank for two or three days to allow any

invertebrates to return to the water

Examples of recommended ditch management

patterns. The aim should be to try to vary the size

of vegetation patches left and distances between them to avoid a regimented unnatural look.

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Although this ditch does have a rough grass buffer it is very narrow. Ideally such buffers

should be 3m wide.

This ditch (connected to the one shown above) is less protected as it does not have any rough

grass buffer, but only a very narrow semi-rough buffer to protect water quality.

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This ditch is a good wildlife ditch, with wider rough grass buffers.

There is a damp woodland area to the left of the 18th fairway. There were a number

of willows which had an unusual growth form and appeared to be in decline. These

willows have benefited through regeneration by coppicing, as advised by SGEG. This

entailed felling the willows at a height of about 20-30cm. New shoots sprouted from

the stump also known as the coppice ‘stool’.

These willows

benefited from

being coppiced and

are now good dense

shrubby specimens.

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There is an interesting wet area to the right of the 18th fairway where there is potential

for the development of the area as a pond.

Ponds are valuable habitat and often rich habitats supporting a wide range of wildlife

including invertebrates, amphibians, plants and many birds and animals. Throughout

the UK ponds have declined due to pollution, drainage, infilling of farm ponds, and

development and industrialisation of areas that were once open countryside.

Although Scotland has suffered less from pond loss and degradation than in England

it is still vital that our wetland habitats are protected and well managed.

Wetland to the right of

the 18th fairway.

Golf Courses can play a vital role in conserving ponds and their wildlife, through good

management and where possible and appropriate by creating ponds and associated wetland

habitat.

Ponds are often used on golf courses to enhance the golfing experience, through creation of a

feature or hazard, and by providing an interesting environment in which to play golf. They

are often used to help alleviate drainage problems or as a source of water for irrigation

systems. Properly designed, ponds can also be very important wildlife habitat and

complement and enhance other wetland habitats both on and off the course. Some outline

guidelines are given below for pond creation:

Pond Creation

It is always recommended that any existing wet area is surveyed prior to any works to create

areas of open water or other wetland features. It is possible that the wetland feature already in

place may be of highest value being left as it is. Unfortunately many well meaning pond

creation projects have resulted in damage to already valuable wildlife habitat. Survey will

inform on what is already present and will help in deciding the most appropriate way forward.

Should it be decided that a pond is to be created then it is important to investigate the

feasibility of such a project prior to detailed design. Ideally test pits should be excavated in

the site and monitored throughout a full season to gain an understanding of the depth of the

water table, and whether the pond is likely to retain open water all year. Following such

investigation then a detailed design can be drawn up.

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Ponds, designed for wildlife do not need to be deep. A maximum depth of 1.5m is adequate

and combined with varied edges will provide ideal wildlife habitat. Ponds should have

shallow, irregularly shaped edges with a variety of depths to create a diversity of conditions to

increase the amount of wetland fringe to benefit a wide range of flora and fauna. Habitat rock

piles and pebble or gravel edges on part of the margin would further enhance the habitat

value. Such a pond would create an ideal breeding area for frogs, toads, newts, dragon and

damselfly larvae and other invertebrates. It will provide drinking water for deer, foxes and

other mammals.

As this is an existing wet area it is unlikely that there will be any need for planting up the

margins of a pond. The existing vegetation will colonize fairly quickly without the need for

extra planting. Should there be a desire to carry out additional planting then it is important to

ensure the species mix chosen for planting up the pond is appropriate. Native species such as

branched bur-reed and bottle sedge, along with attractive flowering marginals such as Purple

Loosestrife, Yellow Flag Meadowsweet, Marsh Marigold, Ragged Robin and Water Lilies

will all improve the pond for wildlife and create an attractive feature that will enhance the

course.

Care should be taken not to plant, or otherwise introduce, inappropriate species. Many ponds

have become accidentally infested with vigorous aliens such as Canadian pondweed, Floating

Pennywort and New Zealand Swamp-stonecrop, that choke out the native species. These

usually arrive accidentally when plants are introduced from garden centres, or are

transplanted from other infested ponds. It is always best to acquire plants from safe natural

sources or reliable native plant suppliers specialising in aquatics. Greater Reedmace

(Bulrush) and Reed should be avoided in shallow ponds, as they will quickly spread and

choke out the pond. If these species are desired, change in pond depth can be used to control

their spread from the shallows.

Pond, Wetland and Ditch Design and Management

In summary some simple measures you could adopt to ensure your water features remain

important and attractive golfing features and wildlife habitats include :

design shallow sloping ledges around ponds

create an uneven, contoured edge to maximise the amount of pond margin

plant native wetland, marginal, submerged and floating species around the pond

create rough grassland buffer strips and no spray zones of at least 3 metres around ponds

and ditches. This increases the naturalness of the feature and protects it from disturbance,

nitrate leaching, spray drift etc. Many species such as frogs, toads and newts spend much

of the year on land and rough vegetation around the water will provide foraging and

hibernating areas.

avoid tipping grass cuttings and corings in and around open water and ditches as this may

cause pollution through enrichment of the water, potentially leading to algal blooms and

deoxygenation.

Great care is taken with existing waterways at Glenrothes to avoid contamination.

A good source of technical information on pond management and construction can be found

in:

“Waterways and Wetlands, a practical handbook” by British Trust for Conservation

Volunteers.

“Ponds, Pools and Lochans”, published by SEPA and available free from them.

Both are available from the ‘Golf Bag’.

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Trees, shrubs and woodland

Woodland management planning

Much of the golfing quality of Glenrothes golf course relies on the large amount of woodland that

acts as a backdrop to the playing area. The woodland character of the course is extremely strong,

with all holes being positively affected by the presence of belts, clusters and copses of different

types of woodland. From an ecological and landscape perspective this woodland cover is of

considerable significance. Due to the species diversity of trees, the sheer size of woodland and

the way the woodland is connected around the course it provides an extremely valuable habitat

for a great range of birds, mammals, invertebrates and plant life.

The woodland itself can be divided into various compartments relating to maturity, species mix

and origin of planting. The woodland types present include:

Exotic Conifer plantation

Native conifer plantation

Mixed Conifer and broadleaf woodland

With such a diversity of woodland types, each requiring different management prescriptions, the

woodland management on the estate is potentially quite complex. It therefore needs to be

carefully planned and prioritised in order that work can be executed in a properly structured way.

Ideally, a detailed Woodland Management Plan should be prepared for the course outlining the

existing woodland cover, the different compartments, the management needs of each

compartment and how that can be achieved e.g. through the Fife Council in-house forestry team

or external contractors.

Such a plan would be able to integrate golfing, wildlife and landscape issues. It would set out

clearly the scale of the project, give a costed and timetabled approach, and would help to

identify the actions which can be carried out internally by in house staff, and those which may

need to be carried out by contractors.

The plan should include the following:

Overall description of the existing woodland cover

It should identify management compartments. Each compartment should be

measured and described, an assessment of species composition, age, structure and

density should be made, along with an evaluation of value to wildlife.

An ecological appraisal.

Detailed management prescriptions tailored to the needs of each compartment.

Costings

Other issues are discussed below. This is by no means a complete picture of all the work

required, simply indicative of the type of work needed to manage the woodland resource on the

golf course.

Conifer Plantations

The 1st ten holes of Glenrothes golf course are the most heavily wooded. There is a mix of 55

years old conifer plantation and more recent mixed planting. There is variety even within

plantations of the same species. Some have received management in the past, others little or

none. Overall the site is fairly complex and the management plan will need to consider

carefully the particular needs for each compartment. A ‘one size fits all’ approach will not be

appropriate on this site. The management described below is general guidance applied to

plantation woodland but will almost certainly have to be varied and adjusted as necessary for

individual compartments.

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Non-native conifer plantations

Scots Pine plantation

All plantations require management at intervals to ensure their long term health. The

plantations are of varying species throughout the course, mostly non-natives such as Spruce,

but with some Scots Pine. Their previous management is not clear but it is possible that they

received some early thinning, although there has been none in the recent past apart from

removal of damaged or low-lying branches adjoining the fairways. Thinning is very

important in conifer plantations, to allow individual trees to strengthen and become more

wind firm, reducing the potential for large scale loss of trees during storms.

Some more thinning should take place to allow the remaining trees to grow stronger. Trees

removed during thinning should consist of the least healthy specimens e.g. those that are split

stemmed, spindly, deformed or leaning. Dense clusters within the plantation should also be

targeted. The aim should be to remove every third or fourth tree, and the edge trees should be

left to give protection to the centre of the plantation

Further thinning should then be undertaken approximately five years later at which time the

Council could then begin to consider under planting with native species which would increase

age and species diversity within the plantations. This will increase their interest and value to

the golfer, as well as becoming more valuable wildlife habitat. Diverse woodlands support a

higher number of species of flora, birds and mammals.

Some woodlands need less thinning.

These woodlands have received some

thinning in the past and will probably

only need to be thinned once more

before under planting can take place.

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Non-native conifer

plantation – this

compartment is small and

fairly narrow. Care will

need to be taken to ensure

it is not over thinned and

vulnerable to wind blow.

This larch plantation alongside

the 17th, on the boundary would

benefit from a thinning

programme followed by under

planting when sufficient space

has been created.

Mixed Conifer and Broadleaved Woodland

The mixed conifer and broadleaved woodland throughout the course will also need to be

managed to create a better diversity of species and ages within the woodland. This type of

woodland tends to be less densely planted than conifer woodland. However it still needs to be

thinned in order to encourage either natural regeneration or the healthy development of

planted trees into spaces.

Much of this woodland is

dominated by non-native

species such as sycamore.

The long term aim should

be to create a more

species diverse woodland.

Broad leaved and conifer

woodland, dominated by

sycamore.

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Woodland edges

Shrub planting into woodland edges creates a gradation of vegetation from semi rough and

rough grassland, through a shrub layer, to the mature trees in the woodland. This benefits

wildlife through the creation of woodland edge habitat. Such habitats are often the most

productive and in this case will improve conditions for small bird species such as tits,

warblers, blackbirds and thrushes through the provision of suitable nest sites, invertebrate

food supplies for chicks and berries for a winter food source.

Suitable species of native shrubs include elder, hawthorn, blackthorn, holly, dog rose, guelder

rose, gorse and broom. Prickly species should not be used close to play.

Profile of ideal edge habitat

in woodlands, from mown

grass through rough grass

to low shrubs and small

trees and finally into mature

woodland.

Dead Timber

The ecological importance of dead timber both fallen (or felled) and standing, within

woodlands, cannot be over emphasised. All dead timber provides invertebrate and fungi

habitat. In addition standing dead timber provides cavities for nesting birds, and bat roosts.

Where such timber is not a hazard to golfers, or ‘unsightly’ it should be left in situ. Fallen

timber can be hidden in the woodland blocks and in the shrubby edges if necessary. Whilst

safety is a more fact based issue, ‘unsightliness’ is more attitudinal. Over-tidiness has

contributed greatly to loss of biodiversity across the UK during the 20th century. Changing

attitudes to tidiness will help biodiversity.

Thinning work that is undertaken will provide useful, twiggy material that can be used to

create ‘habitat piles’. These are quite literally piles of brushwood stacked up to provide nest

sites for birds and small mammals. As they decay they will provide habitat for many

invertebrates. Some felled timber should also be left in situ.

Tree planting outwith woodland blocks Much of the tree planting outwith the woodland blocks on the course is all of the same age.

These trees are often important feature trees for golf holes or are complementary to the

woodland blocks in creating a parkland character for the course. Like the woodlands it is

important to introduce good age diversity to the resource to ensure that there is continuity of

tree cover. Leaving replacement planting until these trees are mature or over mature will

create huge gaps in tree cover in future, which will be to the detriment of the course character,

and the ecological value of the site.

Under planting with whips will introduce age diversity and varying the species will also

enhance the features. Although Sycamore is a traditional parkland tree they do not always

make good golf course trees due to their large leaves. Other species that could be used are

oak, ash, birch and rowan.

39

Light under planting

in areas such as this

will be of benefit in

the long term.

There are several places where the scattered planting between holes lacks structure. It does

not create the separation and shaping of holes that is intended. Additional planting will give

structure through creation of copses of planting. These would create important features, and

would give more structure and definition. They can be used to shape the holes, and create the

level of challenge required. Existing tree planting can be used as a core to structure new

planting.

This area could

be planted to

create a copse

and pull the

existing planting

together. Trees

should be planted

at an average of

2m spacing, but

varied spacing

and avoiding

squares and

straight lines.

Tree management

Where possible, grass cutting between trees in areas of planting should be reduced or stopped.

Not only does this help provide definition to the course and demarcate where young trees are,

it has benefits to the longer-term health and lifespan of the trees. Forestry Commission

research shows that regular cutting around young trees can severely damage the fine root

hairs through vibration and compaction. This inhibits the trees’ ability to take in water and

nutrients and slows their growth. Compaction also impacts negatively on the association

40

between trees and soil and root fungi (mycorrhiza) which is detrimental to the trees well

being. In the longer term compaction makes the trees more susceptible to disease, drought

stress and wind-blow. Reduction of cutting removes the possibility of accidental damage to

the young trees, through direct damage from cutters and strimmers. Inappropriate

management jeopardises the main purpose of planting trees in the first place and usually

leaves an embarrassing and disappointing legacy in the long term. Poor trees drain

management resources longer than healthy trees.

New planting can be spot weeded, or mulched from the beginning to reduce competition from

the grasses. For new planting, using water permeable mulch mats when the trees are first

planted will ensure they do not suffer from nutrient and water starvation. They are time

consuming to install in the first instance, but are a significant time saver in the long term.

They also remove the need for use of herbicide application, and so reduce ongoing

maintenance costs.

Sections of new planting can be vulnerable to damage by golfers. Should a ball land in an

area of new planting a golfer taking the shot can accidentally damage young trees with a club.

Such areas can be protected by implementing a lift and drop zone around the area in which

the trees are planted. Players can then take relief, without penalty.

Such practice will naturalise the plantations and greatly enhance their wildlife value. They

will also enhance the overall landscape value of the plantation by creating a much more

natural feature. Staff time and wear and tear on machinery will also be much reduced,

allowing resources to be targeted to higher priority tasks.

Some examples are given below:

These copses could be

hugely improved by

allowing rough grass to

develop below the trees.

The rough grassland could

be extended around these

cherry trees at the 16th

green. Not only would this

improve their habitat value

but also integrate them with

the adjacent woodland.

41

The area between the 14th tee and 16

th green has much scope for the development of rough

grassland amongst the trees. At present a large out of play area is managed as semi-rough

Shrub planting

There are areas on the course where extensive planting of non-native shrubs has been

undertaken. The species used (e.g. cotoneaster) are more commonly found in gardens or

formal parks. They are somewhat out of place in an otherwise natural setting such as

Glenrothes Golf Course. It is strongly recommended that such planting is avoided in future

and that a policy of native planting is taken on board. A gradual long term programme of

replacement with native species should also be considered. Gorse could be used in the places

where the cotoneaster is abundant. This will naturalise and enhance the long term character of

the course.

Large clumps of

cotoneaster are out of

place.

Cotoneaster is a non-native garden plant that is

best saved for use in gardens and formal planting

in parks, around the clubhouse etc.

42

Shrub planting can be used for screening. This area of degenerate scrub could be planted up

to provide a screen between the golf course and the maintenance facility. The derelict elder

could be regenerated by coppicing (cut off the stems at a height of approximately 30cm from

the ground), leaving the cut material to rot in situ. A mix of tree and shrub species could be

planted such as hawthorn, holly, hazel and some rowan and birch for height and structure.

Random planting at an average spacing of 1.5m will give a dense screen in three to five years.

Scope for improved screening between

golf course and maintenance facility.

Tree species

Any under planting and new planting should consist of native species. Not only will these

thrive best in the local conditions, but will enhance the natural character of the area. From a

wildlife perspective, by focusing on predominantly native species you can ensure that any

new planting is of value to a wide range of birds, insects and wildflowers.

The important thing about native tree species is that they play host to many other species –

birds, mammals, insects, mosses, lichen, fungi, liverworts and so on. The native tree species

which have been historically around the longest – such as oak, aspen, birch, ash and rowan-

are those that host the most. More recently introduced species such as beech and sycamore

host many fewer species, but can still make a useful contribution. Exotic species generally

host the least. Whichever the species, the older the actual tree, the more likely it is just by

virtue of time passing to have been colonised by a wider range of its associated organisms and

therefore the greater its contribution to the wildlife and habitat value of the area. In addition,

the older a tree, by and large the more holes and crevices in it for use by a variety of wildlife

both on a permanent or transient basis.

In parkland situations, it is important to recognise the value of non-native exotics in terms of

landscape and cultural heritage and retain them in that context. However, in other respects,

SGEG advocates native species, as far as possible of local provenance, as being an important

principle in promoting local biodiversity. On this basis, it is recommended that Glenrothes

adopts a policy of normally using native species of local provenance, other than for

specifically justified exceptions.

There are a high number of non-native species on the course, apart from the more obvious

conifer plantations. Sycamore is common throughout, and as well as being non-native is

something of a management nightmare for green staff in autumn, with large quantities of leaf

drop. Larch also causes problems when the needles drop on to fine turf, and should be

avoided. On a site such as this under planting could be under taken with species such as

Rowan, Birch, Ash, Oak, and Scots pine. Birch does not cope well with damage and should

not be planted close to landing zones. Its thin bark is easily damaged by being struck by a

golf ball. Once damaged the tree rarely does well, and will often die after a few years. Edge

planting with native shrubby species such as those mentioned above is also beneficial.

43

Gorse scrub

There are several large areas of gorse through out the course. They are integral to the

character of several holes, adding colour when in flower, and year round structure, texture and

challenge.

Gorse scrub is an important wildlife habitat, providing perching, feeding and nesting habitat

for a variety of birds such as Linnet, Stonechat, and Yellowhammer. It also provides cover

for the many small mammals such as voles, mice and shrews that are the main food source for

Weasels, Stoats, Owls, and Kestrels.

Gorse grows cyclically, from the young establishment and building phase to maturity, and

finally a degenerate phase where it becomes woody and leggy with little growth at the base.

Gorse reaching such a stage can be regenerated by cutting back to six inches or so above

ground, and the cuttings removed from site. This will allow light in to regenerate the cut

plants, and raking up the litter beneath will help to expose seed from which plants will

regenerate. This management should be carried out in a cyclical manner to ensure that there

is Gorse at all stages of growth throughout the course.

This treatment can look unsightly for the first couple of years until the gorse has grown. If

necessary the visual impact can be lessened by cutting at the back, or in the centre, of the

stands. When that new growth is well established and vigorous, the more visible areas can

then be cut, with less visual impact.

Disposal of gorse cuttings, especially in large quantities, can be problematic. Options might

be: chipping; composting on or off site; or controlled burning (least preferred option). See

SGEG Waste Management Toolkit.

Future management should aim to ensure that a diverse age structure is maintained and that

the stands of gorse are not allowed to reach a woody degenerate stage all at the same time.

The gorse has received little or no management on the course, and it is recommended that a

management plan be put in place to ensure that a diverse structure is created and maintained.

Non-management in the long term will lead to deterioration of the gorse as a feature and as

wildlife habitat. The first step in developing an appropriate management programme will be

to do an audit of the gorse across the course to evaluate the condition and management needs

and timings for different areas. A Gorse Management Plan could also include keeping

grassland areas free from new gorse invasion or encroachment.

Gorse is an important feature

on this hole.

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Gorse provides an attractive

and colourful backdrop to the

green and visual texture

against the conifer block plus

habitat diversity.

Linking Habitats within the Course

Patch size, number and proximity are very important criteria in what is termed landscape

ecology i.e. the collective functionality of individual and groups of habitats within any given

area. As man has intensified land use operations over the last fifty to hundred years in

particular, habitat patch size, number and proximity have reduced; fragmentation has occurred

within and between similar and different habitat types and has contributed to the visible

decline in the ecosystem at local, regional and national level. Besides increasing patch size,

number and proximity, positive management needs to reverse fragmentation if old and new

habitats are going to remain viable let alone function to best effect. In any given area, one

way of achieving this is to create some form of linkage between the patches that do exist.

The whole notion of linkage is based on facilitating access for creatures and even mobility for

some plant species between habitat areas – for different seasonal, behavioural or other needs,

population dispersal, escape from danger, competition, shortages and much more. Most

evidently this relates to small terrestrial creatures like voles, shrews and mice, which do not

like crossing bare earth or short grass as they have no cover, and this principle applies

similarly to terrestrial invertebrates. However, continuous rough also means more efficient

hunting and feeding for owls, hedgehogs, foxes, badgers etc as they don’t have so much

wasted terrain to cross in the process, and their chances of coming across food go up. Even

bats can benefit from linkage. For them, hedges and occasional trees between main feeding

areas provide important landmarks for echo-location, enabling them to go further in their

search for food than they would with no landmarks.

The network of woodlands at Glenrothes golf course already creates quite a good amount of

effective linkage around the course. However, there are a number of ways and places in

which further linkage can be achieved. The most obvious and arguably easiest means of

achieving this is to allow long rough to develop under and around existing habitat areas and

identifying where it can be allowed to connect with neighbouring areas.

The best way of identifying opportunities for developing a meaningful network of linked

habitat corridors around the site is to walk round the course with that in mind, see what

already exists and then map the extra possibilities, consulting with greenstaff and golfers as to

where might be feasible and where to try first. Fife Council’s GIS mapping facility will

provide a very useful base for mapping priorities and achievements. The Countryside Ranger

Service or SGEG could perhaps help with this exercise.

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Linkage with Surrounding Habitats and Landuses

Whilst the main management interest and responsibility relate to the golf course, an important

aspect to good environmental management is recognising the part the golf course plays in the

wider landscape and being aware of issues and landuses in the surrounding area and

considering how wildlife might use features on the golf course in the context of their wider

habitat range. Just as surrounding landuses and developments can have an impact on the golf

course, whether to a great or small degree, so can actions on the golf course impact on

neighbouring land. As much as possible should be done to avoid or minimise any negative

impacts, and sometimes steps can be taken within the golf course to enhance the relationship

with adjoining land.

Complementary diversity in this way is at the heart of both habitat and landscape quality, and

the golf course plays a very valuable role in the overall mosaic of the area because it is

different from the other landuses round about.

The main types of surrounding landuse are arable and grazed farmland, with varied quantity

and quality of hedges; some forestry plantations; urban; and the airport.

To properly assess the interconnectivity between the golf course and the wider still landscape,

it would be necessary to examine more wide ranging OS maps or exploit local knowledge

amongst greenstaff to see if there are any tracks, disused railway lines or similar that link the

course habitats into the deeper countryside.

Other Nature Conservation Actions for Glenrothes to consider

General

Glenrothes will play host to a wide range of animal species, all of which use the various

habitats that exist on the course in a variety of ways at different times of the day and season.

Whilst managers and greenstaff can do a great deal generally by recognising, protecting,

creating and managing habitats, such as in the ways described throughout this report,

another approach is to think of key species and undertake specific actions to enhance or

supplement existing habitats specifically for them. These kinds of actions can be rewarding

and enjoyable for staff, members, visitors, local naturalists and walkers etc. and moreover can

make a contribution to the aims of LBAPs. It is always, however, important to understand the

purpose of any action and to construct and locate specific features appropriately.

Ideas include:

bird boxes (various designs for blue tits and tree sparrows, robins and wagtails,

treecreepers, kestrels, swallows, swifts, barn owls and tawny owls) – scope for some

of these types at Glenrothes; seek advice from Ranger Service or local birders

bird feeding station

bat boxes

hedgehog dens

mini-beast “houses”

mason/worker bee niches

bumble bee boxes

rock piles

wood piles

sowing native wildflower seeds or planting plugs

Some of these are actions that local schools or volunteer groups might be able to help with, a

good way of connecting with the course and local community in a positive way.

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There are numerous ways the course can link in with wider initiatives such as the Fife Local

Biodiversity Action Plan or with surveys or projects led by RSPB, SWT (Scottish Wildlife

Trust) or SOC (Scottish Ornithologists’ Club). In this way, the course and its management

can actively become part of the wider environmental and educational endeavour in the region.

Further details of these and other organisations are given in the second part of this report.

Fife-specific

There are a number of species in the Fife BAP which may have particular relevance to

Glenrothes, some of which are listed below.

barn owl

bullfinch

bumblebee

common frog

grey partridge

linnet

pipistrelle bat

ragged robin

skylark

song thrush

common toad

It would be well worth considering what sort of actions might be taken to assist these species.

For example, barn owls will benefit from continuous and generous long rough. Bumble bees

might use man made boxes for over-wintering and FERN is looking for help with recording

these highly familiar but vulnerable insects. Frogs and toads will benefit from pond creation

and wet grassland management and the provision of rock and woodpiles nearby, even in

woodlands. Ragged robin could be sown or planted in damp grassland, or perhaps it already

occurs in the wet ground alongside the 18th, and may need managed rather than introduced.

There may be other Fife BAP species worth discussing with FERN or the Countryside Ranger

Service in terms of a possible small role for Glenrothes.

Although some species are doing very well in our natural environment, there are a great many

old favourites which have been suffering serious decline in recent years. Glenrothes could

perhaps chose to act in ways to improve habitats for these species.

In the Fife Wildlife Recorder produced by FERN for 2004 indicates the following species are

in decline in Fife

yellowhammer

willow warbler

wren

sedge warbler

swallow

starling

robin

lapwing

house sparrow

house martin

great tit

greenfinch

collared dove

blackbird

song thrush

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Many of these use scrub and trees (yellowhammer, warblers, wrens, robins, tits, finches,

sparrows, blackbirds, thrushes) or grassland habitat (starlings, skylarks, lapwing) whilst

fairways often attract swallows and martins for wide open feeding spaces. This Management

Plan proposes some actions to benefit these. Bird surveys are always interesting, whether

resident, summer/winter visitors, breeding or spring/autumn passage migrants. Bird surveys

are both interesting and very useful in evaluating the importance of a site for birds. SOC

might be able to help by putting Glenrothes in touch with local birders who might be

interested in adding the site to their recording circuit or a local enthusiast who might be keen

to do informal survey work for the course.

Several species of butterfly appear to be expanding their northern range, perhaps due to the

effects of global warming. Glenrothes could perhaps take steps to benefit these welcome

visitors. For example managing or introducing food plant species into grassland for specific

butterfly species. If there are any nettle patches around the course, or areas where they could

be encouraged, these could be used by several butterfly species for egg laying, being a key

foodstuff for the caterpillars.

Perhaps staff, members and even dogwalkers will contribute to Fife’s wildlife recording

processes, for example using the FERN wildlife recording sheets, an image of which is shown

overleaf.

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FERN Recording Sheet

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10. Landscape and Cultural Heritage - Assessment and Evaluation:

Fife Council’s stated aims for Glenrothes Landscape and Cultural Heritage are:

Based on research of the landscape qualities of the golf course, ensure that actions

are evaluated with regard to their potential impact on the character of the golf course

and its surrounds.

To acknowledge the importance of the area's archaeology and landscape history

and, through appropriate advice, undertake sensitive management.

Fife Council has a lead responsibility for Community Planning in Fife, with its actions

progressing toward achieving the Fife Community Plan. The golf courses and surrounding

areas are deemed valuable because of their landscape, natural habitat for fauna and flora,

architecture or history. The value of the area is considered to be well worth preserving or

enhancing for the benefit of people now and in the future.

The information below is extracted from the SGEG Summary Environmental Report in which

more detail can be found. (Appendix 8)

Landscape

General Glenrothes Golf Course lies to the west of Glenrothes. Established in 1967 when Glenrothes

was still being developed as a New Town, it still has a fairly young feel. It is bounded to the

north by the district of Newcastle, to the east by Caskieberran, separated by Golf Course Road

(B969), and to the south by Whitehill Industrial Estate. To the west lie Goatmilk Hills, East

Goatmilk, Goatmilk Farm and Fife Airport. A minor road leading to the airport splits the

north and south parts of the golf course.

This inland site which lies between about 110m and 170m above sea level occupies an area of

64.2 hectares, of which about two thirds is managed for play. The topography at Glenrothes is

rolling, rising to a high point at Goatmilk hills in the west. The northern half of the course is

generally higher the southern half. The overall course has a generally southern aspect.

The northern half of the course has a much more enclosed feel than the southern, due to the

greater amount of woodland. This is reflected in different degrees of shelter and exposure

around the course. Although there are heavily managed areas other parts of the course do

have a very natural look. However the choice of non native species in some of the past

plantings does detract from the naturalness of the course overall.

Glenrothes Golf Course will be visible from large swathes of the south Fife countryside.

However due to local topography and the wooded nature of parts of the boundaries local

views in are more limited. The course will be visible from higher buildings in the town and a

few nearby houses.

Views out from the course extend over the Glenrothes roof scape and as far as Largo Law in

the east and the Pentland Hills in the south. The airport is also visible from a large part of the

course, with landings and takeoffs creating an interesting aspect to a round of golf at

Glenrothes. Internal views are quite diverse, many of these being strongly related to

topography and quality and maturity of planting.

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Landscape Character Landscape character is a way of describing what it is that makes a particular area look and

feel intrinsically different to another. It can be simple or complex for a given site and

assessed both in general terms and in detail. This Management Plan proposes a more

detailed description and recommendations should be pulled together, ideally through a

landscape appraisal exercise.

There are two major landscape character zones, north and south of the airport road. The

landscape appraisal, by looking more closely at vegetation and topography, may well identify

a greater number of distinct zones within these two areas.

The course is set on the edge of Glenrothes and although close to the town has a very rural

feel to it. The land was originally farmland and probably similar to that still found beyond its

southern and western boundaries. The rural landscape of this part of Fife is a patchwork of

mixed fields – arable and grazed- with planted woodland and occasional semi-natural wooded

‘dens’ in river valleys.

Landscape Character Zones

1. Front Nine

1a Practice Zone

Sloping area, front to back and left to right, overlooking road and small car park biunded

by gorse and scrub to the north. Man made level tee areas stand out against the natural

topography.

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1b Newcastle Zone

No matter where you are in this zone the houses are never far away which gives this area

a strongly urban feel. The area is one of the flattest sections of the front nine and looks

long and corridor-like. Towards Golf Course Road, the peripheral vegetation gets thicker

and screens the houses better than towards the western end. The Lomond Hills are quite

visible from this part of the course.

1c Rooftop Zone

In the play of the game, this zone feels quite rural, as backs are turned to the town.

However, on a 180 degree turn , the vista changes to reveal an urban outlook over

adjacent rooftops. The mature plantings around the course generally feature strongly

when in this area. Because of the lie of the ground, aeroplanes and microlights can quite

rapidly and noisily come into view in this area and quite suddenly change the feel of the

course.

1d Forth View Zone

This is the part of the course from where the most focussed views of the Firth of Forth

occur, comprising almost 180 degrees of the panorama. On clear days, boats and the

Lothians coast and countryside can be seen and even small details readily picked out.

Whilst planes come into view quickly to the right when leaving the airport, on approach,

longer sightings are a regular feature on this part of the course.

1e Secluded Zone

This area occupies a pocket of the landscape on the western side of the course where

views area restricted in all directions due to the growth character of the surrounding area.

This makes this zone one of the most tranquil areas on the course, with a secluded feel

where the main distraction is likely to be birdsong. A redundant water tower sits in to the

woodland edge on the southern side, but is barely visible due to the vegetation cover.

1f Gorse Zone

This small central zone is characterised by the prolific gorse cover which when in bloom

makes a significant impact on the landscape. In particular, on bright sunny days, the

colour can be so vibranct that it becomes almost distracting to the eye. The feel of the

area is completely different when the gorse is not in bloom, the corridor to the green

becoming much darker and less striking.

1g Level Zone

This simple, flat area has characteristics similar to the rest of the course but no

outstanding features of its own other than being at the centre of all other zones.

2. Back Nine

2a Open Slope Zone

A vast expanse of sloping ground which comes into play both on an upwards and

downwards direction, creating different perspectives but with not particular outstanding

views of note other than Glenrothes airport and the runway, which means planes are

regularly flying overhead in both directions. The “no name” burn which divides the back

nine from west to east cuts through this zone, plus 2c and 3 and is crossable in this zone

by two sleeper bridges. The minimal amount of maintenance required on this burn allows

it to retain a quite natural appearance in this zone.

2b Long Walk Zone

This biggest and longest zone includes a long walk which commences at the 15th green

and the 18th tee with play of the 16

th and 17

th in between. The area is bounded to the south

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by heavy forestry plantations for the greatest percentage of the stretch. In the main this

screens the industrial estate along the entire course boundary here. Where the trees are

thinner, some glimpses of the estate are still possible. Woodland management in the

future may cause periods of increased visibility due to thinning works but the associated

underplanting would ultimately lead to these views becoming obscured again. Deciduous

planting and pockets of scrubby growth feature along the centre of the entire zone. The

water tower located on a raised point towards the western end of this zone regularly

punctuates the views in this area. The jury might be out as to whether this black manmade

construction is a blot on the landscape or a valuable feature of the course.

2c Central Zone

This area has varied character comprising sloping ground, level ground, scrub, long

grassland, rough burn-line, maintained greens, fairways and tees and links the

surrounding landscape character zones. The western half of this zone is very natural

looking, while the eastern half is finely maintained.

3. Road Zone (incl 18th

green)

This area runs downhill from tee to burn then climbs to finish the game of golf at the 18th

green. The zone is dominated by wide open fairway, which is split by the no name burn

and separated from the road by a pedestrian footpath meandering through mixed

vegetation.

4. Clubhouse/Car park Zone

This small zone, located at the junction between Golf Course Road and Airport Road is

the only built-up area on the course, comprising the clubhouse, pro shop/starter’s box and

car park. Being unscreened from the road, this zone creates a physical landscape link to

the adjacent townscape.

The Clubhouse and the town of

Glenrothes behind.

There is a very rural backdrop to the

course – typical of Fife with a

patchwork of fields and woodland. Here

the gentle rolling topography presents a

series of shallow ridges and depression

running east west.

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On a clear day there are views to the Pentland Hills, south of Edinburgh.

For the golf course to sit comfortably within this landscape it is desirable that it mimics or

enriches these land use patterns. Largely, in terms of structure this is achieved. There are

wooded areas, open spaces, and shrubby patches. However in the detail this is less well

achieved particularly with the large amounts of non-native planting, more appropriate to a

garden situation.

It is also worth considering built elements of the course e.g. the clubhouse, maintenance

facility and shelters out on the course. Whilst much of this is now in place and cannot be

changed, small alterations can be of benefit. The shelters on the course for example are very

functional in design and not especially attractive. The shiny metal materials used in their

build are out of place. However a coat of green paint would immediately soften their

appearance and help them to sit more comfortably within the landscape.

Key Views

Views are a vital part in our perception of the landscape, and part of landscape management is

identifying those that are important and why. Steps can then be taken to protect or enhance

these views and avoid their inadvertently being obscured. This is of more acute concern for

golf courses like Dunnikier Park where views out are few and far between. At Glenrothes,

there is a mix of open views, predominantly on the back nine holes, and more enclosed views

on the front nine. There could well be opportunities to frame particular views from specific

vantage points.

As said above views of a golf course can be out from the site, into the site or within the site

itself. It is important to consider impacts of actions from other peoples vantage points as well

as golfers. Course managers should take these different perspectives into account in their

landscape management. A variety of views and landscape experiences create much more

interest for the golfers and also other course users.

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Importance of views from the course. Here the landscape feels open and exposed.

Internal views are also important. Close planting like this gives a much more enclosed and

secluded feel to some parts of the course.

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Greenkeeping Practices

The landscape is made up of numerous things – large and small scale, horizontal and vertical,

natural and manmade, permanent and temporary features – and is affected in other ways such

as time of day, seasonality, and weather. On golf courses, there are lots of operational

practices which have a bearing on how the course looks, which can be positive or negative.

Examples include mowing (contour mowing, staged cutting heights, mowing pattern, etc),

choice of golf course furniture (tee markers, bins, benches etc), shape and scale of mounding,

tee design, construction and management, bunker design and sand colour, path surfacing and

so forth. The more consistent, simple and natural options are generally the more harmonious

in the landscape.

Landscape Management

Landscape management is part of good integrated management of the golf course and the first

step in this process will be recognition of what makes up the landscape and history of the site,

the landscape character of the site as a whole and any distinct features and zones within it.

Evaluation of these landscape parameters in both historic and current terms will help identify

and tailor subsequent practices and actions which protect and enhance and do not damage or

destroy the very landscape character and features that make the course what it is.

The hope is therefore that Fife Council can secure a simple landscape and cultural heritage

appraisal and key recommendations for Glenrothes at a fairly early stage in the management

planning process. There is no particular requirement to go into too great detail, just the benefit

of an independent professional view to pick up key points and set broad objectives and

recommendations as a guide and reference for departmental and site managers.

Cultural Heritage

Site History

The land which Glenrothes Golf Course now occupies was formally all agricultural farm land,

and came under the farming maintenance and ownership of Mr John Hamilton. In 1958 a

group of people interested in forming a golf club for Glenrothes met to discuss the idea, and a

club was formed shortly afterwards. The club, being formed on the 5th February 1958. The

meeting had been called by two employees of Glenrothes Development Corporation, namely

Mr J. Rodger and Mr J. L. Coghill, and the Otters Head Public House, Woodside, Glenrothes

was used as a venue, which still operates today. Mr Coghill was elected President, and

following formation of the club, meetings continued to be held in the Otters Head, and later in

other premises within the town. However, no course exsisted in Glenrothes at the time, so

competitions and the game of golf were undertaken on varied course within Fife.

Various ideas were considered for a suitable location for a Glenrothes course. The Landlords

of Balbirnie estate, the Balfour family were contacted with a view of obtaining ground to be

used as a course, or resurrecting the previously abandoned Markinch Golf Course were

explored, while the Markinch Golf Club were invited to join forces, however they declined.

Meetings were held between the Glenrothes Development Corporation who were responsible

for the formation of Glenrothes as a new town, and the Glenrothes District Council, and

following much lobbying, construction of Glenrothes golf course and the club facilities

commenced in 1964/65. Messrs J. R. Stutt, Paisley Golf Course Architects were appointed to

design the layout of a Par 71, SSS 71, 18 hole Golf Course on the 160 acres of ground

available. Construction included 52,000 trees and 9,000 shrubs being planted on 42 acres of

the site, the trees being planted by Tillhill Forestry.

The naming of the fairways was completed with great consideration for local history and

viewpoints from the course, while the course designer was also noted for posterity on the

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back nine by way of Stutt’s Curse, due to the difficulty of the 12th hole. The official opening

of the Golf Course and Club House took place on Saturday 29th June 1968, and the ceremony

being performed by Mr W. A. W. Sivewright, President of the Scottish Golf Union. The

course was then administered by the Glenrothes District Council until Local Government

reform in 1974 moved the responsibility to Kirkcaldy District Council, and again in 1996 to

Fife Council who currently own and manage the course. During these changes, Glenrothes

Golf Club had leased the clubhouse from the local authority with playing rights to the course.

In 1981 the Clubhouse was extended with the addition of a second lounge, and in 1994

extensive refurbishment of the upstairs was carried out. This led finally to the members

approving the purchase of the club main building and stewards house, completed in October

1996.

Archaeology

Prior to the mid 20th century all the lands of Glenrothes were predominantly farmland,

including the golf course. It would be useful if more information on the site could be

researched for inclusion in the management plan sections on Landscape and Cultural

Heritage.

On searching the RCAHMS website, Canmore database no archaeological records were

disclosed for Glenrothes Golf Course. Looking at the OS map for the area there is mention of

a standing stone just north of the River Leven west of Milldeans. There is also Blythe’s

Tower towards Kinglassie. Other than that there are few mapped features of interest.

However names of farms and other areas can often provide insights into the history of the

locality. Intriguing names near Glenrothes Golf Course include Flowers of May and

Goatmilk. According to the Fife Gazetteer on the website

www.geo.ed.ac.uk/scotgaz/councils the name Goatmilk is derived as follows:

“The former name for the village of Kinglassie and the name of a farm and district in

southwest Greater Glenrothes. In Celtic and medieval times there was a territory known as

Gaitmilkshire.”

Hole Names and their Origins Across Scotland, most golf courses have hole names, the principles for which broadly follow

a traditional pattern. Typically, some holes will be named literally, some humorously, some

characteristically. Some borrow well-known catch phrases while of course others proudly

bear the Scots vernacular. In its own way, hole-naming is part of the cultural heritage of golf

and makes up part of the character of each particular golf course. For Glenrothes, the holes

were named following a competition. The right of naming the holes, being won by Mr Jimmy

Stirton.

Fife Council would like to thank Jimmy Stirton and Les Dalrymple for their information regarding information on

the cultural heritage and site history.

Number Name Origins of Name

1 Benarty View After Benarty Hill

2 Goatmilk Hill Named after the area beyond Glenrothes Golf Course, and the site of

a former Danish settlement

3 Wester Gales Named to highlight the westerly winds that blow over the course

4 Pitcairn Named after Pitcairn to the North of the town

5 Whins Named due to the abundance of Whin on the course

6 Bluidyfits Named in memory of the Bluidyfits battle

7 Lomond Loan Named after the Lomond hills walk

8 Cadgergate Named for the area where beggars would ask for money from

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travellers to Falkland Palace

9 Bass Rock Named after the Bass rock which sits in the Firth of Forth

10 Pint Gallery Named due to view obtained toward the clubhouse bar when playing

the 10th

11 Satans Gateway Named to note the start of the back nine, and a difficult time ahead

12 Stutts Curse Named fondly for the course designer, and a difficult hole

13 Carry Burn Named just to note , carry on over the burn which cuts across the

course.

14 Harestanes Named for the Harestanes medieval walk from Dunfermline to St

Andrews, and also the farm which takes its name from the same

15 Old Inchdearnie Named for Inchdearnie house

16 Whitehill Named for the Whitehill area which lies to the south of the course

17 Ladys Walk Named for the Ladys Walk, Woodside

18 Hells End Named to confirm the end of the back nine, and the difficult time

had

11. Waste & Energy Management – Summary of current

practices:

Fife Councils stated aims for Glenrothes Golf Course Waste and Energy

Management are:

To minimise the amount of waste produced by Fife Council in the operational

activities on Glenrothes Golf Course and ensure that all handling and disposal

practices meet with best environmental practice and legal obligations

To minimise the amount of energy consumption by Fife Council in the operational

activities on Glenrothes Golf Course and to ensure maximum energy efficiency in all

operations concerning the site.

Waste

Waste Actions taken In terms of green waste, Glenrothes Golf Course is well advanced in the recycling due to the

practices it has set up. Corings, turfs, unwanted brashings and thinnings, some clippings from

greens and tees, and some non-green wastes are used on site or sent to the privately run (A.

Cook) Strathore Road recycling facility near Thornton, where it is composted, chipped or

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otherwise processed for further use. This is done because it is cheaper for Community

Services to send the material to a commercial composter (£16 per tonne disposal costs) than

the Council’s own in-house composting facility through Environmental Services (£37.50 per

tonne). Compost can be bought back from Strathore Road for £4.00 per tonne. Clippings are

not gathered from the fairways, being dispersed in situ behind the gang mower.

Clippings are produced from the greens and tees and disposed of in situ at present or removed

for recycling depending on weather conditions. Presently these are been disposed scattering in

rough grasslands and planted areas, which is not ideal in terms of either waste or habitat

management but required at times due to operational requirements. Piles of decomposing

grass clippings which results in significant local nutrient enrichment that changes the

botanical composition have been discontinued.

Clippings dispersed liberally along the edge rough grass are having a noticeable effect on the

vegetation. An occasional nettle clump arising from such practices can be useful butterfly

feeding in non-sensitive areas, but ideally dumping or dispersal of grass clippings in rough or

natural vegetation is to be avoided when possible.

It is intended to improve management of green waste gradually over the coming years, taking

advantage of new services as they arise.

Waste management should become easier in the future as systems and infrastructure become

more widespread and user-friendly, and it is the intention at Glenrothes Golf Course to

contribute to Fife Council’s waste management strategy and take advantage of every

opportunity to improve performance.

Other examples of waste management practices past and present at Glenrothes are:

Recycled bark and wood chippings from woodland and tree management work around

Glenrothes as well as gorse arisings from the course are being use to improve the

surface of pathways and for mulching. Recently this has been changed for locally

sourced hardcore material.

Leaves blown off playing area for natural recycling and decaying although this is not a

big issue at Glenrothes.

Course furniture i.e. seats, signs, posts and tee markers may be gradually be replaced by

recycled plastic material where available and where found suitable. Although not

practical for open space parks where vandalism and arson are a greater threat and metal

furniture is more resistant, golf courses tend to be a more suitable location for recycled

types of furniture and fixtures.

Waste turf, corings and sand have been recycled for further use on-site wherever

possible.

Where we must dispose of waste off the golf course, this is totally disposed of through

current recycling programmes with a partnership with a local waste contractor from

whom composted material is return to the Council for use in various projects.

All materials are disposed by In House Council systems or designated specialist

contractors, in line with Council Policies and Codes of Practice, etc.

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A New Approach to Waste Management

Waste Management will be a dominant theme throughout the country over the coming years

and to which principles and processes all sectors of society including Glenrothes Golf Club

will have a responsibility to contribute as best they can. It is planned that during ongoing

meetings between Fife Council and Club issues of communication and viable waste

management ideas can be developed.

The underpinning philosophy of good waste management is to operate by the Waste

Hierarchy, the top level being the most preferable action, the bottom level being the least

preferable:

Avoid

Reduce/Minimise

Re-use on location

Recycle if feasible

Dispose of sensibly

Fife Council and the Parks & Countryside Section are investigating ways to develop a Draft

Waste Management Strategy, which will have to be refined further in consultation with other

departments and the club committees but which it is hoped will produce a guidance document

to help the Club play its part. The good thing is that reducing energy and waste can both bring

financial savings.

Waste has been seen as a management issue for all operational task and activities. Fife

Council are developing further processes to deal with waste and recycling initiatives. Fife

Council, Waste Management is being steered by a working group who are investigating best

practice, by in-house or out sourcing to obtain cost effective methods and end material, etc.

Summary of waste and by products arising on Glenrothes Golf Course

Waste from the Golf Course

Grass and turf wastes

Hard and soft wood prunings

Water into surrounding ditches, etc.

Litter/fly tipping

Recycled Material from the Golf Course Leaf litter

Top dressings

Cores from greens / tees

Excavated material from drainage work, etc.

Summary of waste disposal – quantities and costs per annum

WASTE PRODUCT QUANTITY METHOD COST £

Handled on site:

Leaf litter

20 tonnes

Decay on site

N/A

Top dressings Correct purchasing Used on site Saving

Cores from greens / tees 10 tonnes Used on site Saving

Excavated material 6 tonnes Used on site Saving

Turf wastes 5 tonnes Used on site Saving

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Grass clippings / rakings 5 tonnes Used on site Saving

Disposed off –site:

Non Hazardous

Deadwood 6 tonnes A. Cook £16.00 tonne

Water 500 ltrs Road / Ditches ?

Litter/fly tipping 5 tonnes LA Disposal £37.50 tonne

Hazardous/special waste

Waste Oils & Fuels 25 ltrs Chemical disposal

/Mechanics

£4.00

Unused pesticides, etc. Correct purchasing Used on site N/A

Unused fertilisers, etc Correct purchasing Used on site N/A

Pesticide containers Small quantity LA Disposal N/A

Energy

Energy use at Glenrothes is fairly minimal in respect of the actual course, however the starters

box, has an electronic till, heating, lighting and basic welfare facilities for staff use. The

power for running said services is already monitored by the Councils energy management

section and therefore it is not expected that large savings or changes to improve current

practices shall follow. However it acknowledged that even a basic energy audit would

confirm this assumption and perhaps flag up areas for improvement. The club building, which

is not operated by Fife Council, has full social services, and as such provides, catering,

lighting, heating and storage in line with the requirements of playing golf, and offering a

social setting.

Energy use on the course

Greenkeeping equipment – mainly diesel. However, some items of equipment still rely on

petrol.

Tractors and Transportation – all diesel

Irrigation – powered by electricity

There are no golf buggies provided by the Council at Glenrothes

Although Transportation do record fuel usage, the data is not detailed enough to highlight

individual or area use accurately.

Energy Actions taken Replacement machines are investigated for being cleaner and beneficial to the course and

users, etc.

Fife Councils energy management section has been asked to provide and assist club where

possible with energy saving advice.

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A. Allan, greenkeeper

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12. Communications, Education and the Workplace

Fife Council’s stated aims for Glenrothes Communications, Education and the

Workplace are:

Internally - involve and inform all those involved in the course’s use and management

regarding ongoing environmental management of the golf course.

Externally - recognise, and seek to co-operate positively on local environmental and

community issues through appropriate partnerships.

Communications, Education and Awareness,

Internal Communications are extremely important to the effective management of the golf course and

to the morale and well being of staff, committees and members. The more people that know

and understand about the workings of all management facets, the more they can contribute to

its smooth-running.

As Fife Council broadens its environmental remit into wider sustainability issues such as

waste and energy, and seeks to integrate golf and environmental management across the

course, support courses and maintenance facilities, it will be useful to review the systems of

communication and revise them as necessary to ensure effective, integrated communications

underlie and support the process.

One key objective will be to increase delegation of skills more widely to the whole team.

Currently, the main means of communications with staff are:

Briefings (e.g. daily greenkeeping briefings to plan the work for the next few days, etc)

Meetings (as required with staff to manage course issues)

Notice boards used to display a wide range of environmental and golf management

information for green staff.

Handouts, contracts, memos and letters

Emails (not available to all members of staff.)

Voice for us (internal publication)

Employee update (internal publication)

The main means of communications with players and members are:

Bookings, competitions and subscriptions mostly through the secretary by post,

telephone, email and internet. Email communications with members are on the

increase, with more of a focus on this medium envisaged for the future.

Glenrothes Golf Course is featured on the Fife Council (Fife Direct) website and also

many Golf and Tourist websites providing information about the course.

The aim is to increase the environmental content made available in this way.

The greenkeeper’s also finds that word of mouth is always an extremely important way

of supplementing formal communications, especially where controversial issues about

the course are concerned.

Signage – entrance, driveway

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Visitors

Notice boards, visitor’s leaflets and the website all display information for visitors.

Starters box notice boards

External In the past Glenrothes Golf Course has had a limited communications with environmental,

community groups or organisations. With this project it is planned to develop these links for

the benefit of the course and have an open approach to establish a great number of valuable

links that can lead to improvements, projects and programmes of work over the coming years.

SGEG – advice and grant aid; environmental management planning

Consultants – e.g. John Quinn, 18th Hole Consulting, etc.

STRI – regular course inspections with head Greenkeeper and greens convenor

SGU – to regularly review and revise the course rating as necessary

Companies – occasional advice on machinery, products, health and safety and have

the ability to attend product exhibitions, trade shows and training days etc. the

trialling of new machinery must involve all green staff and seeking their feedback

with a view to cherry-picking the best range of machinery to be selected for the golf

course

Forestry Authority – Woodland Grant Scheme funding

Contractors for specialist advice

Colleges – Elmwood College, student projects SVQ Level 3 and 4 for greenkeeping

and course maintenance

Fife Ranger Services

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Education

Fife Council holds great store by its commitment to education and personal development for

staff. Fife Council encourages all staff to fully understand safe working practices as well as

embracing environmentally friendly principles and practices.

Greens Staff

Community Services operates an in-house greenkeeper-training programme which entails

staff progressing through SVQ I to III. Staff are also trained in chemical spraying and

pesticides through PA1 (induction), PA2 (tractor mounted operations) and PA6 (knapsack

spraying). Other training includes chainsaw use and first aid, etc.

Fife Council enrols greens staff in college courses for external certification in the above

subjects when necessary. This is mostly with Elmwood College, Cupar.

The Head Greenkeeper has been on a National supervisory management course (NEBS) in

addition to his underpinning qualifications.

All greens staff have been trained in health and safety awareness at work.

Three greens staff members have PA1, 2 and 6 certificates in the safe use of chemicals

storage, application and disposal. One staff member is presently going through training to

obtain certificates in the aforementioned.

Clubhouse Staff- Administration

The administration of the Clubhouse is operated by part time personnel. The Secretary,

Treasurer, and President are responsible for club management issues only.

Members

Raising education awareness for the members of Glenrothes Golf Club is predominantly done

through meetings with club officials as required

The environmental issues within this document will hopefully help raise and widen awareness

amongst members about the environmental qualities of the course and the breadth of

management issues and practices that are required.

Other

Community Service offers work experience opportunities in green keeping for pupils at local

high schools through the Aware Programme. Five of the summer seasonal workers over the

past six or so years have participated in this programme.

FERN (Fife Environmental Recording Network) operate a recording system for participation

by interested land managers and members of the public, which could be used for sightings at

Glenrothes. For a copy of the Wildlife Record Sheet and instructions for filling them in, see

Appendix 9 or www.fifedirect.org.uk FERN are now known as TAPIFEN (Take a Pride in

Fife Environmental Network).

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Clubhouse

Fife Council has no responsibility or involvement with the actions or operational duties of the

Clubhouse.

Workplace

Community Services operate an industrial unit located within Whitehills industrial estate

which services Glenrothes Golf Course. This unit caters for storage of materials, equipment

and provides welfare facilities for the staff members. The close relationship of the unit to the

course means little down time is lost in travelling to and from the course for normal

maintenance tasks. Due to the size of the unit, it enables the service to purchase some

materials in loose bulk, achieving best value for money, and the ability to retain materials dry

and safe.

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PART THREE

FUTURE POLICIES AND MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

13. Glenrothes Golf Course Operating Policies

All Management will follow the 7 Course Strategy (Appendix 6.)

Policies which will underpin future management at Glenrothes Golf Course are as

follow:

Management Planning Policies

- apply a team philosophy – increase awareness and involvement

- always operate to a current Integrated Management Plan

- adopt a regular annual review and feedback process on the Management Plan

- use Golf Environment Europe(formerly Committed to Green)/SGEG Award

Scheme criteria as basis of environmental planning and practice

- develop record keeping systems in line with Award Criteria requirements

- broaden range of specialist advice sought

- use mapping and photography to support planning and monitoring activities

- maintain a “wish-list” to help when updating the Management Plan

- Keep up-to-date with legislation and ensure compliance

- Golf Course Maintenance, Water and Wastewater Management

- strive to reduce usage of chemical methods

- selection of grass species/cultivars for disease resistance

- use least toxic chemical

- encourage indigenous grasses

- avoid pollution

- minimise water use

- change emphasis from preventative pesticide use to curative use, spot or patch

spray by preference to reduce area treated

- avoid grass clippings landing in water bodies and ditches

- pursue mowing regimes which promote naturalness and reduce fuel use and

emissions to the atmosphere

- obtain advice from agronomists with strong environmental ethic

Nature Conservation

- operate a presumption in favour of native species unless alternatives specifically

justified

- source stock of local provenance whenever possible

- avoid scattering grass clippings in unsuitable rough grass areas

- contribute to Fife Biodiversity Action Plan as much as possible

- retain standing and fallen deadwood as often as possible

- apply structured maintenance to watercourse to protect biodiversity; avoid

intensive watercourse management/ensure sensitive timings to avoid breeding

seasons; implement essential maintenance levels over two to three years; leave

any removed vegetation on bankings for a few days to allow displaced creatures

to return to the watercourse.

- avoid mower and strimmer damage to trees; mulch, handweed or spot spray

herbicide to control weeds round newly planted trees

- avoid grassland habitat management in the bird nesting season

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Landscape and Cultural Heritage

- routinely evaluate the impact of all operations on the landscape and views

- ensure site records are collected and formally archived

- Use SGEG Landscape Guidelines as base reference

Waste and Energy

- promote sound waste management practices by following the Waste Hierarchy

and minimising the generation of waste to landfill

- reduce the levels of materials we consume

- to carry out and actively encourage the reuse and recycling of materials

- all waste generated will be disposed of by the best practical environmental option

- ensure positive resource management for sustainability and financial benefit

- Use SGEG Waste Management Toolkit as base reference

- Use SGEG Energy Saving Manual as base reference

Communications, Education and the Workplace

- broaden training and partnerships (e.g. Ranger service) to include all topics of

GEE, formerly Committed to Green

- provide supporting information for the staff in the workplace and take advantage

of any Council-wide initiatives to improve public awareness eg Eco boards etc.

- make use of Golf Bag routinely

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14. Environmental Management Planning

Aims

The Council aims to ensure a forward thinking and integrated approach to management issues

affecting the whole site through a program of successive management plans developed

through a team approach, effective consultation and regular review.

Objectives

To continue liaising with Glenrothes Golf Club and other course users to ensure their voice is

heard in the planning process

Ensure that all actions are integrated and not single issue actions

Adopt a rolling program of management plans at this stage on a 3 yearly basis, managed

through a team approach.

Convert the culture of “maintenance only” into joined up integrated management planning.

Aim to have the majority of development meetings on site.

Future Actions

1. Continue the working group for Glenrothes Golf Course, comprising of

- Nigel Brown, Parks Operations Supervisor

- John Guy, Head Greenkeeper

- Glenrothes Golf Club Officials

- Brian Walker, Parks Operations Officer

2. Provide relevant course information to club

3. Review Working Group composition annually

4. Identify sources of information available, in-house and external

5. Establish support links

6. Establish mapping service level and accessing procedures

7. Make increasing use of Council GIS system for management and presentation purposes

8. Establish review and reporting procedures for Management Plan

9. Review feasibility of SGEG award or certificate application each year

10. Schedule preparation of Environmental Statement as application for SGEG Award or

certificates

11. Develop a “Wish list” for actions in subsequent 3-year Management Plan

12. Annual review of useful Appendices to Integrated Management Plan

13. Create individual seasonal action dates

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15. Golf Course Maintenance

Aims

To produce the best possible surfaces for golf for as close to 12 months per year as is

possible.

To present the course for play on full greens and tees for the longest practical period per year.

To manage the golf course in a sustainable and low environmental impact manner, by

employing best practice and sound green keeping practices both traditional and modern.

Objectives

Reduce/optimise thatch levels on fine turf areas

Optimise texture of rootzone to improve aeration and drainage through sand amelioration etc

Improve sward composition especially on greens to include more finer grasses

Maximise efficiency of irrigation practices for water saving and turf health purposes.

Take account of climate change when making Management short and long term decisions.

Reduce mown areas by leaving longer rough under trees

Future Actions

1. Contribute to production of manual of maintenance practices and procedures

2. Agree (spring and autumn) renovation programme twice annually

3. Investigate alternative pest management measures (i.e. non-chemical methods).

4. Agree (Jan/Feb) Annual Maintenance Programme with Environmental Considerations:

mowing regimes, no-spray/LERAPS and buffer zones, pest and disease tolerances,

spraying etc.

5. Soil and nutrition/fertility measurement: audit; measure/analyse; agree annual programme

to optimise fertiliser; traffic management; selective spiking/cultural operations.

o Increase frequency of deep aeration practices on greens and fairways.

o Increase sand input to greens after deep aeration.

o Increase thatch removal and control measures i.e. greater use of Graden and

hollow tining in autumn, consider mini hollow tining and dressing in spring.

6. Investigate scope for installation of water metering complete with recording device

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16. Nature Conservation : Wildlife and Habitats

Aims

Conserve and enhance the biodiversity of the golf course through ongoing, informed

management of species and habitats and thereby contribute to the aims of the Fife Local

Biodiversity Action Plan and other relevant Initiatives.

Objectives

To create/maintain ecology that is beneficial to the user and to the natural environment.

Raise level of knowledge amongst users and managers about species and habitats at

Glenrothes Golf Course

To champion species and habitats within and contribute to the aims of the Fife LBAP

Future Actions

Surveys

1. Obtain Phase 1 and 2 habitat (or similar) surveys as soon as possible.

2. Investigate scope for other surveys e.g. fungi, birds, butterflies.

3. Submit copies of survey data to Fife central records (TAPIFEN)

Grassland Management Recommendations

4. Carry out survey of grasslands – type, species, quality and condition - along with

management recommendations for different compartments. This could be done as part of

Phase 1and 2 habitat surveys.

5. Develop a Grassland Management Plan which identifies and schedules action on:

- existing areas for management for wildflower composition and/or fungi

- new areas of rough for expansion or linkage and any management needs there

- best management policies and practices to protect the grassland habitat resource

(spray drift, clippings disposal, sourcing of wild flower seed/plugs etc)

- actions for improved landscape effect eg reshaping

6. Manage the first 2-3m in from the semi-rough alongside the third

7. Create rough grassland alongside the 11th.

8. Reshape grassland fringes along woodland edges to create scallops of rough

9. Stop mowing large, out of play area to the left of the 18th fairway

10. Create and shape wider rough edges along the 18th fairway.

11. Raise awareness amongst staff about the importance of grassland habitats, the negative

implications of practices such as dumping/scattering grass clippings in long rough and the

management aims and practices to be pursued at Glenrothes

12. Avoid dumping grass clippings, soil and corings in grassland or other habitat areas except

for deliberate enrichment for specific habitat reasons in specific areas (eg to encourage

nettle patches)

13. Develop Improved Green Waste Management systems to assist in habitat management

- identify sacrifice areas where clippings can be broadcast onto lower quality grassland

areas compatible with the overall plan

- avoid dispersal of clippings in sensitive areas

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Watercourses and wetlands

14. Investigate scope for pond creation in wet area to the right of the 18th fairway

15. Use the coppiced willows in damp woodland left of 18th fairway for harvesting

transplants

16. Increase rough grass buffers alongside ditches to an average of 3m. Introduce variable

widths and shapes to the buffers.

Trees, Shrubs and Woodland

17. Discuss future woodland management with development officers, including replacement

anticipated grant scheme for SFGS

18. Obtain and implement course-wide Woodland Management Plan to include

- initial thinning

- second thinning

- under planting with native tree and shrub species

- selective tree removal to reduce dominance of non-native species

- improved age diversity in future

19. Where possible reduce or avoid mowing under trees outwith woodland blocks e.g. area

between 14th tee and 16

th green

20. Monitor and if necessary consider improving screening on boundary, between golf course

and neighbouring redundant concrete works e.g. coppice elder and plant up with mix of

native tree and shrub species.

Gorse Scrub

21. Reseed burnt gorse area at 4th /7

th with litter from other gorse stands on site

Habitat Linkage

22. Linkage within the course

- map habitats to show existing linkage within the course

- identify opportunities for creating new linkage that make sense in habitat and golf

terms such as those suggested above

- implement prioritised programme to introduce new linkages over time

23. Linkage to surrounding countryside

- map habitats to show linkage between course and significant external habitat areas

- identify opportunities for creating new linkage or strengthening existing boundaries

- identify opportunities for improving practices within the golf course to the benefit of

neighbouring habitats

- implement programme to effect a strengthening of the relationship between the golf

course and the surrounding land and habitats

Fife LBAP

24. Research and develop programme of incidental habitat and species actions suited to the

site and Fife biodiversity needs

25. There may be other Fife BAP species worth discussing with FERN or the Countryside

Ranger Service in terms of a possible small role for Glenrothes.

26. Discuss what actions might benefit these species in decline in Fife and carry some out

during the next few years.

Other Actions

27. Increase dead timber, woodpile and rockpile niches in and around woodland, watercourse

and rough grass areas for invertebrates, amphibians, birds and small mammals.

28. Identify suitable locations for installation of some bat boxes on trees

29. Establish link with local birders/bird group (eg SOC), Ranger Service etc for advice on

habitat management for birds and bats plus installation of range of bat boxes and bird

boxes for different species.

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30. Start a logbook/record sheets etc for staff and golfers to record wildlife sightings

31. Provide awareness raising or other relevant training for staff for all habitats and their

management on the course

32. Identify key members of staff to champion specific issues in habitat management and

development

Common frog

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17. Landscape and Cultural Heritage

Aims

Based on research of the landscape qualities of the golf course, ensure that actions are

evaluated with regard to their potential impact on the character of the golf course and its

surrounds.

To acknowledge the importance of the area's archaeology and landscape history and,

through appropriate advice, undertake sensitive management.

Objectives

To ensure future management of Glenrothes Golf Course contributes to the protection or

enhancement of its varied landscape character and does not diminish it, using SGEG

Landscape Guidelines publication.

To protect key views into and from the golf course.

Maximise links with other council services with a landscape remit. Develop partnerships with

all stakeholders to the benefit of the landscape.

Increase awareness and appreciation amongst staff and users of the landscape history,

character and composition of Glenrothes Golf Course

Ensure that archives are kept so that there is a continuing and accessible historic record of

landscape use and changes through time

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Future Actions

Landscape

1. Develop a house style for course furniture at Glenrothes, with signage and materials

in line with Fife Council Policy.

2. Review impact of green keeping practices and choice of materials in line with the 7

Course Strategy and adapt to better effect where appropriate.

3. Arrange discussions with club to examine mowing adjustments for visual (and

habitat) benefits

4. Paint rainshelters to blend into landscape setting

5. Consider recommendations from reports and assessments received.

6. Make increasing use of GIS system, eg map key views within and out from site, and

identify actions to preserve or enhance these in the long term – eg no planting areas,

low planting only, planting to frame or feature in “new” views, more feature trees etc.

Cultural Heritage

7. Obtain pre golf course maps of the site to see former paths, tracks, dykes, water

courses, buildings etc for interest and reference

8. Research site history, archaeology and former uses of any features in more depth

9. Make historical information available to golfers and public eg in clubhouse, on

yardage book, local press, etc.

10. Research origins of hole names from Jimmy Stirton who won the competition for the

right to name the holes in 1960s.

View towards the Firth of Forth

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18. Waste and Energy Management

Aims

To minimise the amount of waste produced from the course and to ensure that all handling

and disposal practices meet with best environmental practice and legal obligation.

To minimise the amount of energy consumption on the course and to ensure maximum energy

efficiency in all operations concerning the site.

Objectives

Keep waste to minimum levels

Minimise energy use

Ensure the effective management of other resources

Control pollution

Future Actions

Waste

1. Seek Waste Audit with recommendations

2. Select from recommendations and SGEG Waste Management Toolkit to produce forward

waste plan.

3. Put in place systems to enable waste practices required e.g. revised mowing regimes

4. Promote waste management amongst and encourage participation by staff and golfer, e.g.

posters, signs

5. Develop Improved Green Waste Management systems

o Identify sacrifice areas where clippings can be broadcast onto lower quality

grassland areas compatible with the overall plan

o Avoid dispersal of clippings in sensitive areas

6. Incorporate use of re-cycled materials e.g. in course furniture

7. Encourage club and general public to examine and improve waste practices in clubhouse

and on course

Energy

1. Seek Energy Audit with recommendations

2. Select from recommendations and SGEG Energy Saving Manual to produce forward

energy plan.

3. Promote energy management amongst and encourage participation by staff and golfers

e.g. posters, signs

4. Encourage club to examine and improve energy management practices in clubhouse.

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19. Communications, Education and the Workplace

Aims

Internal - involve and inform managers, green-staff and Glenrothes Golf Club in the ongoing

environmental management of the golf course.

External - recognise, and seek to co-operate positively on local environmental and

community issues through appropriate partnerships.

Objectives

Communication

Ensure that managers and staff have a clear understanding of their roles within the

environmental program, so that they can enthusiastically deploy this information in the public

domain.

Using various methods e.g. clearly describe the plans and developments to all

interested parties

Education

By employee development process develop a staff that are aware of environmental

issues across all categories of environmental management

To motivate, enthuse and involve staff in the environmental program so they get more

out of it e.g. golf bag

To develop public awareness of the attributes of the golf course via schools, notice

boards, naturalists society and civic society etc

Workplace

To provide facilities within the workplace to convey environmental information to

staff.

To review the present resources and processes being used and identify/adopt possible

improvements for environmental, safety and welfare benefits

Future Actions

Communication

1. Improved structure, regularity and breadth of staff meetings at all levels

2. Local press, newsletters – annual article e.g. Fife Free Press, FEN Newsletter

Education

1. Seek external advice on bird and bat boxes,

installation and maintenance

2. Grassland Management Course at Lochore (July

annually) or in-house tailored course for greenstaff

3. Piggy-back learning on specialist visits to site eg

surveys

4. Maintain a communication link with Fife Ranger

Service and other advisory groups, etc.

Workplace

1. Update bothy library to include relevant information

2. Keep using SGEG Golf Bag

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Appendices

Appendix 1 Fife Council Local Biodiversity Action Plan

Appendix 2 “Take a Pride in Fife“ State of the Environment Report

Appendix 3 Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

Appendix 4 Register of Environmental Legislation

Appendix 5 SGEG Awards Criteria

Appendix 6 7 Course Strategy

Appendix 7 Pest and Disease Tolerance Thresholds

Appendix 8 Scottish Golf Environment Group Report

(January 2005)

Appendix 9 Fife Environmental Recording Network Wildlife

Record Sheet

Spare copies of the Glenrothes Integrated Management Plan are available at

Parks Office, Glenrothes

Acknowledgements:

Brian Walker, Parks Operations Officer, Fife Council

Nigel Brown, Parks Operational Officer, Fife Council

John Guy, Head Green keeper

Jimmy Stirton, Founder Member of Glenrothes Golf Club

Les Dalrymple, Founder Member of Glenrothes Golf Club

John Quinn, Hole-18 Consulting

Elspeth Coutts the Scottish Golf Environment Group

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