Dear Member/Visitor,

In 2019 I invited Rachel Graham, North East Lincolnshire Council ecologist to survey Grimsby Golf Course. Her report was detailed & very complimentary (Downloadable File: Golf Club Ecology Survey Report 2019) with her overall analysis:

‘The conservation efforts and work already applied to the site is highly commendable and impressive, as are the species present, and, for such a managed habitat such as an 18 hole golf course, the ecological value is high. The management is sensitive to natural processes and the natural environment and the benefits are there to be seen’

This is a testament to the commitment, endeavours & skills of past & present Greenkeeping staff et al.

The course was, originally, in 1922 & through the 1950’s (Downloadable File: Grimsby Golf Club Tree History) devoid of any real habitation for wildlife, a two dimensional course with only a smattering of trees around the clubhouse, along the 15th fairway & The Spinney (only purchased in 1952) approaching the 12th Green. Planting many trees in the 1980’s & particularly the late 1990’s has provided course definition, improved vistas (Downloadable File: Tree Functionality) & a plethora of habitats for different species (Downloadable File: Tree Biodiversity).

The construction of the pond by the ditch near the 2nd green & the lake alongside the 14th fairway in 1995, together with an extension of the lake in front of the 13th Tee, has provided another vital ecosystem with a variety of habitats & consequently a rich variety of wildlife (Downloadable File: Lincolnshire Ponds & Lakes Biodiversity). We are playing an essential role in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management by slowly providing Microhabitats (Downloadable File: Microhabitats Projects) in out of play areas on the course, without compromising the golfing experience whilst, hopefully, helping to meet our ultimate goal of gaining GEO: Get On Course Accreditation (Downloadable File: GEO: Get On Course Accreditation).

Finally it must be recognised that together Fairways & Putting greens turfgrass is an ecosystem within itself & with the other ecosystems is making a vital contribution to Ecosystem Services for the benefit of the immediate surrounding urban environment eg. reducing air/water pollution (Downloadable File: Grimsby Golf Course Contribution to Ecosystem Services).

I do hope you find this of interest & the different species identification lists are of use whether on the course, in the garden or out & about.

Sincere thanks for your attention

Bill Evison