Biodiversity and Ecology Group
A group of volunteers within our Club have formed the Peebles Golf Club Biodiversity and Ecology Group (BEG), with the aim of increasing the biodiversity of the course over the next 20 years. Much has been written in recent years to highlight a downward trend in biodiversity and the BEG wants to play its part in reversing this on our course.. The group is developing a 20-year plan to transform several areas of rough into wildflower meadows, as well as planting trees, shrubs and other plants to encourage wildlife.
Two documents have been created to provide information to members and other local interest groups, and BEG welcomes further input and support.
THE WILDFLOWER DISPLAY BETWEEN THE 6TH GREEN AND 7TH TEE: JULY 2021
1. BEG 10 - 20 Year Opportunity Plan
This opportunity plan has been through formal approvals and is now available for review by members, indicating potential areas for further BEG projects over the next 10 to 20 years. It presents a hole by hole reeview of the areas being considered and initiative by initiative.
Each initiative is broken into four streams:
The Buglife Scotland initiative, who will be working closely with us, to create a mosaic of areas on the golf course;
The Under-Planting initiative, which will focus on under planting areas, typically under trees with mixed bulbs;
The BEG initiative, focussing on small areas of rough, and adding in various shrubs;
And finally, the Bats-Birds initiative, focussing on installing boxes to attract birds and bats to create their habitat on the golf course.
Please note this is an opportunity plan, and year by year, a detailed plan will be produced, starting in 2022, with the full support and guidance from our Head Greenkeeper (Steven Borthwick), and interested parties from the Committee. These detailed plans will all need to be approved by the Board/Committee before any work can commence.
2. Initial 2021 Plan
This plan has been approved by the Head Greenkeeper and the Board/Committee. The project is using crowdfunding and local funding (SBC Community fund) to establish this area. (so far crowdfunding sits at £1,181 and local funding will be confirmed/refused early April 2021).
The area is next to the 7th hole fairway, on the left hand side when walking tee to green. The project is well underway, the grass has been cut and collected, the land has been ploughed and rotavated.
The next steps are to apply a weed-killer once on the area as soon as the weeds/grass start to germinate, then sow a seed mix of 80% grass and 20% mixed flowers, mainly perennials, but some annuals, then immediately roll the seed into the area. We will also be planting a small number or trees in the area.
If you would like any further information on the projects or provide your feedback, please e-mail: Peebles_BEG_Group@yahoo.com
BEG Constitution
You can read a signed copy of the BEG Unincorporated Association Constitution here.
News Updates & Newsletter Archives
Read the BEG Newsletter (Issue 1)