Golf clubs, as rich and diverse ecosystems, play a vital role in preserving biodiversity. That’s why the grounds teams at our Resonance golf courses in France make it a priority in course maintenance. Many eco-friendly practices have been implemented, including the late mowing of roughs. This approach stands out as an effective solution for promoting biodiversity while preserving the natural charm and authenticity of the courses.
What Is Late Mowing?
High roughs are not left unattended; they are mowed just once a year to support biodiversity. This practice, known as late mowing, involves delaying the cutting of roughs (the natural vegetation areas surrounding the fairways) to allow flora and fauna to develop, feed, and reproduce. Unlike regular mowing, this method helps preserve the natural life cycles of plants and animals that depend on these environments. This initiative is part of our ecological commitment to ensuring a sustainable future for our golf courses.
Benefits for Biodiversity
By delaying rough mowing, our golf courses create favorable habitats for a variety of plant and animal species:
- Flora: Flowering plants have time to produce seeds, promoting their reproduction and providing essential food resources for pollinating insects.
- Insects: Bees, butterflies, and other insects benefit from a continuous nectar source, crucial for their survival.
- Wildlife: Small mammals, birds, and reptiles find shelter and food in these less-disturbed areas.
Lower Emissions and Energy Consumption
By maintaining these areas with a late-mowing approach, our golf courses reduce the use of machines typically required for rough maintenance. This results in lower fuel consumption, a key factor in sustainable management. Fewer mechanical interventions also mean a reduction in CO₂ emissions, helping in the fight against climate change.
Additionally, reducing the use of machinery in these areas helps limit noise pollution, ensuring a more peaceful environment for the local wildlife that thrives there.
A Natural and Eco-Friendly Aesthetic
Allowing nature to take its course leads to beautifully blooming high roughs, enhancing the landscape and enriching the playing experience for golfers. By embracing this eco-responsible approach, we combine sustainability with the pleasure of golfing in a preserved natural setting.
