CROMPTON & ROYTON GOLF CLUB

Transcription

1 CROMPTON & ROYTON GOLF CLUB Ecological Management Plan Report Date: November 2014 Consultant: Richard Stuttard Crompton & Royton Golf Club 1

2 CONFIDENTIAL Contents Introduction 3 Site Description 4 Practical Implementation of 6 The Plan Objectives 6 General Management 7 Recommendations Hole by Hole 17 Summary of Compartments 67 Appendicies 68 Drawing 69 Crompton & Royton Golf Club 2

3 Introduction STRI has been engaged by Crompton and Royton Golf Club to produce a 5 year Management Plan for the woodlands, trees and associated grasslands over the 18 hole course. It is recognised by many at the Club that the woodlands, trees and associated habitats on the course require management, if their condition is to be either maintained or improved; and indeed if their longevity as features of the golf course is to be procured. The need for such a plan is not always realised by golfers even though issues and interest relating to the ecology and environment are so frequently discussed in the clubhouse. The basic facts are that golfers need the environment and it does often subliminally provide a vital element to the enjoyment of their game. Conversely, wildlife needs golf. Our golf courses unwittingly support some of our most rare and vulnerable wildlife and they also help in connecting differing areas of the countryside enabling wildlife with opportunities for dispersal and movement. Management clearly is vital to ensuring optimal habitat interest. Appropriate management will increase wildlife onto the course and it will, if executed as detailed in this plan, ease some of the frustration of lost golf balls whilst still helping to safeguard and preserve course set up (course definition). Crompton and Royton Golf Club has an extremely high potential to become a more visually and ecologically appealing course through the creation and management of habitats such as ecological grassland and diverse woodland. There is a large amount of enthusiasm from club staff and members at the Club to acknowledge the ecological value of the golf course and adopt a detailed plan to aid in correctly managing the continual improvement of the club s natural environment. The management recommendations provided throughout this plan have been developed specifically to retain and improve the golfing interests. The recommendations however will also indirectly or directly serve to enhance the wildlife value of the course so benefiting all those who pause to appreciate it during the playing of a round. The plan also takes on board the fact that not all work can be undertaken over just one or two years, any management work must be ongoing and will no doubt improve over time as techniques evolve and the greens staff become more aware of when and how to manage. Any plan must not be overburdening to those given responsibility for its implementation; and it is, given the lack of management in the past, particularly relating to trees, tempting to group the works into the first couple of years of the prescribed 5 year term. This however should be avoided as it will be far more preferable to take on sufficient tasks each year in a staggered nature and complete these tasks in a successful manner whilst building the trust and confidence of the membership to enable ongoing completion of all the recommendations being made. This approach will also be more ideal in not overburdening the green staff or overstretching their available resources. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 3

4 This management plan will provide a phased approach to management with actions evenly spaced over the 5 years and prioritised accordingly. The recommendations have been aligned to a five year initial term and some of the works will clearly fall outside the scope of this Management Plan. As such the plan will require review at the end of the first term (by year 5). Furthermore, supervision will be an important element of successful delivery of the plan, at least over the first years and will also give the membership greater confidence in the work that is being progressed. Annual monitoring also ensures that the work undertaken is as specified and is being completed appropriately and at a level that will ensure long-term improvement. 2.0 Site Description 2.1 Site Location Crompton & Royton Golf Club founded in 1908 is situated east of the village of Royton, a short distance north of Oldham, Lancashire. The course is an 18 hole facility, providing largely parkland characteristics, put with a historic heathland character that does prevail in certain areas. 2.2 Nature Conservation Highlights and Rationale for Management The course sits within an urban/moorland setting although much of the surrounding land uses are of sheep grazing (pastoral grassland). The varying landscape, including the golf course work together to provide very important stop off and resting habitats for a wide range of species with hedgerows/scrub, tree and other vegetation pockets providing good connectivity enabling the migration of species through the landscape. The course also exhibits some remnants of heathland characterization, and one aim of this plan will be to further enhance this over the coming years. Some areas of amenity woodland at Crompton & Royton have been established in a plantation style which can not only look forced, contrived and uniform but also offer little structural and species diversity and can mean that all individual trees within the woodland are all roughly the same age and may reach the end of their life spans at roughly the same time. Developing and building structural diversity within the woodlands as repeatedly discussed on site will lead to the existence of more wildlife such as bird species singing, feeding and ideally nesting. This also causes the amenity woodlands throughout the course to become more visually appealing to golfers with a variety of tree species used as opposed to multiple individuals of a single species and most importantly gives depth and consistency to trees and woodlands. The grasslands at Crompton & Royton Golf Club are regularly maintained as playing rough and the development of ecological rough and fringing rough on the course is currently minimal Operations exist to improve the grassland for golf and for wildlife. Improving the management of some areas of grassland throughout the course ( less frequent management) will help to improve definition throughout the course, strengthen connectivity within and between habitats and will also take pressure off green staff who will only need to intensively manage an area of grassland once or twice per year as opposed to undergoing regular mowing and maintenance. Such management will also lead to greater numbers of invertebrates including flying moths, damsel flies, grasshoppers and flies, all of which are a food source for birds and even bats. Bats will navigate along the tree line benefitting from the diversity of invertebrates within the grassland. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 4

5 Many of the trees on site have been planted over a similar time frame and as such are relatively even aged. This is more obvious where one species only has been allowed to establish i.e. pine, birch etc. but even in those areas where differing species have been utilised the canopy structure is similar with all trees at nearly the same height. Successional planting on an on-going basis will be important if structural diversity is to be improved and if longevity within the copses is to be inbuilt. Through certain areas this may involve localised thinning and/or selective tree removal coupled with replanting using differing species so as to ensure differing age groups and structure. This work will need to be repeated on an on-going basis albeit infrequent to ensure that a range and diversity of heights are built in. This will not compromise play in any way as the trees can be crown lifted as and when required. Areas of ecology rough and fringing rough can be established throughout the course to not only increase ecological value but more importantly increase the playing experience of the golfers by adding definition to individual holes and separation between holes. The establishment of a fringing rough will allow a gradual transition between semi-rough and ecology rough by providing an area where, whilst rough is challenging, play from the fringing rough can still occur. The adoption of grassland management prescriptions, outlined throughout the report, will help to gradually increase the health of grassland through the cutting and scarification treatments and the application of Rescue. This is a selective graminicide to promote this wispy grassland and remove thick tussocky species, in particular Yorkshire fog and perennial ryegrass. These areas, particularly when linking with the tree and woodland areas will increase the overall area for wildlife movement and dispersal. Areas of grassland which support the coarse rank species will frustrate golfers with respect to ball retrieval and onward play. Appropriate management is discussed throughout the report to ensure the grasslands are fined down and improved so that once accepted can be further expanded over differing areas of the course. Similarly, the shorter ecological corridors existing on the golf course and existing as boundary hedges, woodland margins and the extensive grassland rough all provide valuable stepping stones offering vantage feeding, roosting, nesting and hibernation (depending upon the species). Water features are poorly represented at Crompton & Royton Golf Club but operations exist to increase the extent of wetland grassland again to provide golfing interest and increased wildlife appeal. Staff and members at Crompton & Royton Golf Club have seemingly already adopted an extremely positive approach to ecology on the course. The establishment of regular discussion opportunities amongst members regarding the course s ecology and management would help to get more members involved and encourage member input and participation into the ecological management of the course. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 5

6 3.0 Practical Implementation of the Plan This plan is written so as to be an easy to read, practical working document that can be followed and implemented by non-conservation minded, yet technically able land managers i.e. the greens staff etc. Phasing the work over a five year term should help to reduce the burden on the greens staff who clearly have many other duties to carry out throughout any given year. Phasing the work will also limit ecological impact. Importantly it will allow species to move out of one area while works are being carried out, moving back as these areas re-establish. Any woodland management work must be concentrated outside the bird breeding season i.e. between the end of October through to the end of February; this should work well as it is largely outside the main renovation periods, whereupon the greens staff would otherwise be engaged with important course maintenance work. Pond management practices such as the removal of excess pond weed and surface vegetation should be carried out from September to the end of October, which is outside the breeding season for invertebrates, fish and amphibians, but also doesn t coincide with cold winter periods when pond life is hibernating at the bottom of the pond and must not be disturbed. Timeframes for grassland management include spring treatments from February to April, and autumn treatments from late August to the end of October. This plan has been developed giving recognition to the key habitats and management resources and the importance of keeping disruption and disturbance as low as practically possible. The plan in essence provides direction to the work required whilst hopefully building upon and improving, and maintaining all playing quality aspects of each hole. Initially it is hoped that this management plan will serve to increase the wildlife content of the course, building for example on the wildflower, invertebrate and bird interest within the grasslands and woodlands whilst creating greater structural diversity through the woodlands and copses to ensure the long-term sustainability of these features. 4.0 Objectives 4.1 Suggested Nature Conservation and Golfing Objectives The main objective must be to maintain and improve the prestigious nature of the 18 hole golf course, whilst conserving the principal nature conservation and land form interests, which are an important and recognized asset to the Club. The above may best be met by: 1. Improving structural diversity within the woodlands and copses this will involve developing different canopy heights and levels using a range of different tree species, planted at different periods over time, all to provide age, structure and height diversity. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 6

7 2. Improving species composition within the woodlands and copses increasing the number of appropriate trees and shrubs will increase structural diversity and form as well as a nature conservation value (caution will need to be given to which species are chosen to ensure appropriateness). 3. Improving the extent and quality of managed fringing and ecological rough throughout the course along with the potential development of a fringing rough. 4. Retaining dead wood, both standing and fallen, for its wildlife value. 5. Implementing tree removal to improve putting and playing surface condition, to reinstate sight lines and to facilitate new planting i.e. to enable 1 and 2 above. Through the grasslands, consideration will need to be given to maintaining and increasing the extent of appropriately managed grassland rough to define each hole whilst ensuring playability and wildlife interest. The management objectives for the grasslands must give cognisance to managing for diversity, structure and form, this being important if more dense grasslands are to be maintained for rodents, arachnids and invertebrates and if more open grasslands are to be managed for their wildflower content. Importantly any management must be sensitive to the requirement of ensuring balls can be retrieved and played and that unwarranted slow play is avoided. All of the above interests can be met and are being met on a range of golf courses throughout the country without compromising golfing interest. It will be essential that all work is directed over a phased, longer-term programme as set out in this plan to ensure that the green staff are not unduly overburdened and that disturbance is kept to a minimum. This will also have important ecological benefits, enabling wildlife to move and return as different areas are being worked upon. Over time, a much stronger wildlife component will be realised as the individual areas are brought into condition. The removal of any trees is likely to be emotive and generate some concern within the membership. All engaged in production and delivery of this Management Plan must recognise the importance of trees and would not recommend tree removal without good cause. 5.0 General Management Recommendations 5.1 Woodland Management Rationale The woodlands, copses and trees on the course provide many different functions both from a golfing perspective and an ecological perspective. It is recognised from a golfing point of view that the woodlands provide extensive visual and playing interest. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 7

8 Amenity Woodlands are those providing separation between holes, the underlying grassland is normally managed to a cut rough height. These woodlands are generally in play. Several of these amenity woodland areas also act as hazards should any shots stray off the fairway. The use of sentinel trees closer to the fairway can also provide a hazard to play; additionally some are used as gateways to increase challenge, whilst others provide focal points to the back of greens to enable golfers to line and position shots. Others give separation between holes whilst delineating shaping on the ground. The visual interest provided to the golfer is also an advantage of woodlands. Rich woodlands with effective structural diversity can acts as an ideal backdrop to a green or as a barrier between a fairway and course boundary. Ecological Woodlands differ from the above they are further out from the line of play and are managed much less intensively. These woodlands and copses provide corridor habitat enabling species to move uninterrupted through the landscape, smaller birds depend heavily on continuity of habitat and this is why hedgerows for example are extremely important through the countryside. These habitats can also provide valuable stepping stone interest, allowing smaller birds to rest between the more open areas. It is also important to recognise that the woodlands are also valuable through the woodland edge, particularly for those less specialised species the woodland edge generally has a greater structural interest i.e. supporting different canopy heights i.e. low grading back to high and this enables birds to develop territories, feed and nest. It will provide vantage for singing, all of which will benefit those playing the course. Some of the more recent plantings support few tree species, the majority of which were planted at similar times and they are therefore all of a similar age and likely to decline over a similar protracted timescale. Some of the trees are short-lived and would benefit from phased restocking to improve longevity and structural form. Key Woodland Issues: 1. Even aged one canopy height. There is a need to this and under plant with understorey canopy and high canopy trees to build in structural diversity and longevity. Introducing understorey and canopy trees or undergoing thinning and restocking with differing tree species will improve these areas for wildlife and golf. 2. Some areas of woodland are compromising playing surface condition. Thinning and tree removal required to improve the nature and quality of the turf through these areas. 3. Need to consider individual tree health and implement appropriate management to ensure trees are not compromised by the close proximity of others or by damage caused through a lack of management. Equally, some trees have been identified as showing signs of decay and should be removed as soon as practical for health and safety purposes. 4. Dead wood is an important asset and should be conserved; this is weakly represented at present. 5. Planned succession needs to occur to enable the eventual replacement of some sentinel trees throughout the course such as poplars and Leylandii, which currently help create gateways through individual holes, but which will, over time, fail with the concurrent loss of these features. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 8

9 5.1.2 Thinning and restocking (see also further note on tree removal below) Thinning will be an important ongoing requirement if opportunities for restocking are to be provided, particularly in areas where the tree species type and age is uniform a frequent issue in terms of silver birch presence through much of the course. Restocking with more appropriate or indeed similar species will be essential in improving structural diversity and increasing the longevity of woodland areas. Deadwood where possible (falling or standing) should be retained in situ, the latter could be collected from the more in-play areas and stockpiled as ecopiles within retained woodland centres. In a select few areas, competing trees will also need to be removed, particularly within areas where certain trees are compromising the growth and establishment of others. Again, this work should be progressed gradually on a phased basis, ideally with appropriate supervision, to improve the overall condition of the woodland/copse features. Through many areas, no intervention will be required as these are possibly further off-line and may already support reasonable canopy age and species structure Planting forestry transplants and standards In the copses and woodlands both standards and forestry transplants have a place, though the merits of each must be considered. Standards are quite costly to purchase and obviously more labour-intensive to plant and maintain. They do however give an immediate effect and will certainly be preferable in areas in or near to play. The main disadvantages of these trees however, are that they may take time to fully establish, during which time they may become damaged by stray golf balls. Their replacement will incur further costs. Standards, by their nature need to be planted at relatively wide spacing s of between 3 and 5 m so necessitating intensive maintenance, i.e. grass cutting, throughout the establishment phase. The use of standards alone leaves little room for thinning and woodland structuring and so gives little scope for developing informality and naturalness, either along the woodland margins or indeed through the woodland centres. Standards therefore may be most appropriate along the woodland fringes where play is regularly encountered. Standards are likely to be preferred when forming sentinel or strategic trees but, given levels of play and likely damage by golf balls, suitable protection including local railings must be fully considered. For the standards, a pit excavated to sufficient size to comfortably accommodate the bare roots will be required. Consider a pit dug to a depth of 500 mm leaving 300 mm around the root area. It would be worthwhile adding a small amount of a balanced fertiliser, possibly 100g of a 20:10:10 or similar, to each pit area before backfilling. Plant the trees centrally within each pit and incorporate a support offset by 100mm on the windward side. The stake should not reach more than one third the height of the tree. Backfill with subsoil then topsoil, firming in discrete layers to the height of the root collar. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 9

10 Carry out any pruning works as may be necessary to remove any broken or undesirable branches. Forestry transplants are cheap to purchase and easy to plant, they can be planted around taller strategically placed standards to offer protection and will offer rapid growth and establishment. It is my view that forestry transplants would be the ideal solution for the majority of planting operations on this site. The small nature of the trees and the need for protection however means that their favoured position will be within the larger woodland blocks. These trees will offer scope for woodland restructuring at intervals throughout their development phase through a programme of ongoing thinning and possibly replanting (beating up). Forestry transplants are normally purchased as 45-60cm bare rooted trees and are usually notch-planted at between 1.5 and 3m spacing s in random or staggered single species groupings. Forestry transplants should ideally be planted in single species groupings in multiples of four, i.e. 4, 8, 16, etc., in a random or staggered arrangement so as to offer a more natural appearance following their establishment. Shrubs or understorey trees planted within and around the main trees will help nurse the longer-lived trees and will in time help to form a stronger lower level canopy. Tree tubes will be essential and these can be purchased as m height x 9cm diameter. These should be placed around each tree planted, supported with a stake and tie wrap and should be retained for a minimum three year period. Tree tubes are available in green so as to match the surroundings and these must be ordered well in advance of their purchase Encouraging better quality standard trees It will be necessary to remove trees as and when they start to affect growth of the more desirable specimen trees to ensure that vigour and growth of those remaining are not impeded or compromised. Some of the younger trees, i.e. those planted over the last few years, may tolerate total removal using a tree spade and these could be positioned elsewhere, i.e. within the proposed or developing copses. Unfortunately, those which have been in the ground for over six or seven years are likely to have produced considerable roots and may therefore not tolerate lifting and transplanting with any degree of success. With these trees, it may simply be a case of cutting the trees down to near ground level, stump grinding thereafter to below surface level and re-forming a grass cover (see recommendation for stump removal below). This work should be undertaken on a rolling and phased programme, removing only those trees that are directly affecting growth in the first instance. Repeated thinning operations will need to be carried out over time until an acceptable outcome has been achieved Stump removal The removal of individual trees can be particularly sensitive to members and it would therefore make sense to remove all of those stumps remaining through the immediate woodland fringe only. This will be best identified as a nominal 4-6m band width, through which all stumps would be removed. Beyond this distance all stumps should be retained to decompose naturally. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 10

11 Within the given areas the tree stumps can be ground to 150mm below ground level using an appropriate pedestrian stump grinder or similar implement. Following this operation, it will be necessary to re-form surface levels using an appropriate sand/soil mix and overseed using a seeds mix of a suitable grassland type to complement the existing. Within the central woodland areas it would be appropriate to leave the stumps to encourage natural decomposition so as to provide greater habitat potential for wildlife Creation of the Wood Edge Habitat The wood edge habitat is by far the most diverse and therefore ecologically important area of any mature deciduous woodland. Here the opportunity for woody species diversity is optimised and the juxtaposition of grassland, scrub and woodland provides superb ecological habitat. The introduction of the thin, deep rough grassland strips along woodland perimeters in conjunction with thinning and restocking using appropriate shrub species will go some way to achieving the same Dead trees/standing and fallen timber Give special consideration to retaining as much of the standing dead and dying trees as is practically possible as these do provide very important and valuable habitat conditions for a whole suite of wildlife species. Clearly, dead and dying trees close to playing areas may over time become increasingly dangerous and these will need to be monitored and on occasion removed. Any felled trees should be cut into m lengths and stockpiled as ecopiles within the more significant woodland areas. These, as they break down, will provide important habitat conditions for fungi, invertebrates, rodents, amphibians and reptiles. The brash could become a fire hazard if left. This would be best chipped and spread throughout the centre of the more significant woodlands. The majority of woodland plant species will tolerate chippings to a depth of around 75mm but care will need to be taken not to exceed this level in any one year. Chippings spread over the surface will help perpetuate the natural woodland cycle. Additional notes on tree removal: Note 1 Bats: Before commencing with any of the more major felling works and/or prior to removing any larger trees it will be essential that an approved, registered bat consultant is engaged to assess each tree or area for the presence of bats and to remain on site so as to be able to deal with any bats that may be inadvertently disturbed during felling. Bats are given special legal protection under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the European Habitats Directive (92/43/EC) enacted in the UK through the Conservation (Natural Habitats & Conservation) Regulations (1994). The legislation makes it an offence to disturb, destroy (or obstruct access to) bat roots or any place being used by bats. The legislation includes any incidental damage caused during otherwise lawful activities. No checks for bats were made during the course of this survey but many of the more substantial trees, including the poplar, do have the potential to support bats. Please contact me to discuss further. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 11

12 Note 2: Felling Licence: A felling license will most likely be required before undertaking any major tree removal work. In any calendar quarter, you may fell up to 5 cubic metres on your property without a license as long as no more than two cubic metres are sold. The club need not apply for a felling license for: 1. Lopping and toppings (which usually includes tree surgery, pruning and pollarding). 2. Fellings included in an approved Dedication plan. 3. Felling trees which, when measured at a height of 1.3 metres from the ground: have a diameter 8cm or less; or If thinning, have a diameter of 10cm or less; or If coppice (i.e. managed by cutting to promote multi-stemmed growth arising at or near ground level) or underwood, have a diameter of 15cm or less. 4. Felling being necessary for the prevention of danger or the prevention or abatement of a nuisance (e.g. which may involve threat of danger to a third party). See leaflet provided in Appendix Ivy Ivy is present in certain areas of the course. Ivy is not a parasite and will not directly kill trees but it does use any tall object to climb in order to maximise light capture. It could contribute to the death of already weak, dying trees and it can restrict the girth slightly of developing trees but it does equally have a very high conservation value and should, where possible, be retained. I therefore only recommend you consider controlling ivy where it impacts on play, i.e. through the fringes of any woodland, or where it compromises the quality of important strategic trees. Its clearance from trees within the wider woodland/copse areas should be resisted. If removal is absolutely necessary then cutting the ivy around the base of the affected tree will allow it to die of slowly over one or two years after which it can easily be removed Nest Boxes It would be beneficial to make and erect nest boxes for smaller birds at intervals around the course. Note that smaller nest boxes should be erected out of harm s way to avoid predation by foxes etc. They should face east to warm readily during the morning rather than south which can kill the chicks. In the book, please read the case studies at the back relating to monitoring and relocating depending upon uptake levels. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 12

13 5.2 Grassland rough The grasslands away from the playing line at Crompton and Royton Golf Club have scope to be developed into effective fringing and ecology rough which can not only provide a greater hole definition and visual interest but also increase the ecological value of the course, both of which would greatly improve playing quality. By introducing areas of appropriately located and effectively managed fringing and ecology rough around the course, the overall golfing experience can be greatly improved. The main difference that the addition of fringing and ecology rough can make is the improved definition of each hole throughout the course. The rough would not only provide visual appeal by increasing course aesthetics but would also help to direct the line of sight from the tee to the green. The introduction of fringing and ecological rough would also help to add dynamic and intent to each hole. If fringing rough is kept short enough to allow easy ball finding, the presence of fringing and ecology rough can increase through-put of the course and reduce the time it takes to play all 18 holes. The establishment of fringing and ecology rough throughout the course will also have an effect on improving the ecological value, particularly in ecology rough areas which provides habitat for several invertebrate and bird species and is an important area for pollinators such as native bees and flies. The presence of invertebrates in grassland strips will go on to attract several other species such as birds, bats and field mice. We discussed new management opportunities that would enable the development of a stronger fringing rough without unwarranted impact on play. This can effectively be achieved through cutting and scarification techniques together with the occasional and localized use of selective graminicides to eradicate the problem species that lead to so much anguish and frustration. The grassland management work must remain ongoing and will need to be phased and undertaken selectively and on an area by area basis as confidence grows. This phasing process can be aided with the use of grassland management prescriptions which categories areas of grassland throughout the course into management regimes. These can be intensive for areas needing then most attention from green staff, or can range to being fairly relaxed and less-intensive for areas which do not need as much attention. Grassland management prescriptions are listed below. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 13

14 Cut and Scarify spring and autumn, ongoing P = Provisional Grassland Recommendation 1 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Spring Autumn Spring Autumn Spring Autumn Cut/Collect Scarify/Collect Overseed Other Review Cut spring and autumn and annual autumn scarification, ongoing P = Provisional Grassland Recommendation 2 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Spring Autumn Spring Autumn Spring Autumn Cut/Collect Scarify/Collect Overseed P P Other Review Cut spring and autumn with spring scarification over 2 years only P = Provisional Grassland Recommendation 3 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Spring Autumn Spring Autumn Spring Autumn Cut/Collect Scarify/Collect P Overseed P P Other Review Crompton & Royton Golf Club 14

15 Annual autumn cut and one scarification treatment P = Provisional Grassland Recommendation 4 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Spring Autumn Spring Autumn Spring Autumn Cut/Collect Scarify/Collect* Overseed P P Other *repeat 2/3 year intervals Review Annual spring cut and spring scarification treatment P = Provisional Grassland Recommendation 5 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Spring Autumn Spring Autumn Spring Autumn Cut/Collect Scarify/Collect Overseed Other P P Review Infrequent cutting only. Grassland Recommendation 6 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Spring Autumn Spring Autumn Spring Autumn Cut/Collect Scarify/Collect Overseed Other Review These tables outline some of the management recommendations for grassland management over a three year period. These approaches differ in intensity with some areas possibly requiring intensive maintenance involving cutting and scarifying processes in spring and autumn with other areas only requiring a more relaxed approach such as cutting once a year in autumn. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 15

16 It would be ideal to implement the development of a fringing rough at Crompton and Royton Golf Club along with the development of several areas of ecological grassland. The term fringing rough refers to the development of an area of rough parallel to the fairway, of maybe 4-6m in width, that is still able to penalise golfers finding themselves situated in the fringing rough, however golf balls are still able to be found and this area of rough is not as detrimental as ecology rough, where provisional shots may be required if a ball comes to rest here. Fringing rough should be managed to be thin, wispy and not too long, in order to aid play out of the area. Grass species such as Yorkshire fog and rye-grass need to be removed from these areas to ensure the fringing rough does not get too thick and tussocky. The establishment of areas of meadow and wild-flowers on the golf course is conceivable, particularly in large areas of allocated ecological rough. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 16

17 Hole by Hole The 1 st hole is a par 4, heading out in a northerly orientation 316 yards from the white tees. General view of 1 st hole The 1 st tee complex offers an elevated position on the golf course and highlights one of the major issues that the golf course has suffered from in the last 30 years, namely the intrusion of tree cover across much of the course which is not only causing shading issues and creating a compartmentalised effect on the golf course, but is also significantly reducing the ability to achieve long distance views. To the back of the tee is a dense stand of trees, comprising silver birch, ash and pine all of which were planted approximately 30 years ago at very close spacing s. These trees, although not causing a problem to the 1 st tee, given its orientation, may impact on other holes which will be covered within this plan. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 17

18 Compartment 1A The first most striking feature standing on the 1 st tees is the line of degenerate Leylandii that have been planted in a straight line at a 45 o angle to the tee to act as a screen. These trees are extremely open in nature and are not offering any significant screening and I feel that their immediate removal is the best course of action, as it would allow a clear view for golfers on the 1 st tee, thereby eliminating any health and safety concerns. Year 1 Degenerate Leylandii Additional screening is provided to the left hand side of the yellow tees by a group of cherry and sycamore, these trees are in much better condition than the Leylandii mentioned above and I recommend that these trees are retained at this time. Compartment 1B Group of Cherry and Sycamore providing screening It is pleasing to note that deep grassland has been allowed to develop around the peripheries of the 1 st tee complex, this grassland is however dominated by Yorkshire fog, perhaps due to the nature of the substrate upon which the tee complex was created, but this is undoubtedly also compounded by the piles of grass clippings observed in this area. Close to the top of the deep grassland mound the sward becomes far more dominated by fescue and this highlights what could be achieved across the entire area if nutrient levels remained low. Yorkshire fog dominated grassland Recommendation: Eliminate the illicit dumping of clippings and cut and collect all arisings in this area on an annual basis. Year 1. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 18

19 Compartment 1C Driving from the 1 st tee the golfer is required to strike over an extensive rough grassland carry which is certainly an impressive and demanding feature for the start of the course. The carry offers a mixed bag of vegetation with some peripheries dominated by Himalayan balsam which should be removed at the earliest opportunity via hand pulling with all arisings burnt see Himalayan balsam management leaflet Appendix 2. Extent of carry This leads through typically coarse grassland vegetation around the perimeters dominated by Yorkshire fog and leads down to the base of the valley like cut-through which has a much more ecologically rich characteristic to it. Here the sward is dominated by slender creeping red fescue and is clearly wet for much of the year as large swathes of soft rush are also present. Little immediate management work is required within this carry other than the removal of the Himalayan balsam and the removal of any tree saplings which begin to develop, one or two were noticed during the visit. Year 1 Removal of the Himalayan Balsam is required Crompton & Royton Golf Club 19

20 Compartment 1D Having cleared the carry the 1 st hole opens out to provide a generously wide fairway, tree lined to both sides. The trees, given the nature of the substrate here are not faring well and are struck by disease. The trees present were largely silver birch, rowan and sycamore. Some rough grassland is provided within the tree bases to both sides where it is largely again dominated by the coarser leaved grassland species, however some fescue is present, thereby highlighting the potential these areas have. There are still a significant number of trees where grassland around the base is currently mown around weekly or perhaps more frequently and it is clear that glyphosate is used around the bases of many of the trees that are deemed to be in open play. Given that this is the 1 st hole and there is a need to keep the speed of play moving through, particularly as there is a demanding carry on this hole I feel it would be unreasonable to extend rough grassland out to a great extent however, extending even by 2 m to either side would potentially save the grounds staff a reasonable amount of time mowing around the trees which are currently in the intensively managed zone. As such and as indicated on Compartment 1D it is recommended that intensive grassland management is relaxed to both sides of the fairway extending to 2 m out and into play. These areas should however still be cut on a twice per year basis and ideally scarified with all arisings collected. It is understood that the club do not currently have access to a flail collector unit, however it is strongly recommended that the club consider hiring such a unit for perhaps one or two weeks per year to enable a successful management programme to be implemented. That will undoubtedly pay for itself in terms of reducing the number of man hours, fuel and machinery wear that will be needed to maintain the large extent of intensively managed turf on this course. Within the group of trees to the left hand side of the 1 st fairway there are again stands of Himalayan balsam appearing which should be removed at the earliest opportunity i.e. this winter See Himalayan balsam leaflet. There are also pockets of broom which go back to the heathland characteristics of the golf course which is something that the club wish to promote further. Year 2 Compartment 1E The tree cover becomes denser heading down the 1 st fairway, again dominated by sycamore, silver birch and rowan with occasional Leylandii. Ideally, this group of trees will be thinned by approximately 20% as it is quite dense in nature and this will gradually enable a continual programme of removal to be undertaken which would allow greater grassland development to be achieved. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 20

21 The smaller pocket of woodland to the right hand side of the 1 st green approach is much more open in nature and is offering good ecological value and visual appeal. No intervention is required at this time. The 1 st green is protected by a long narrow bunker extending across the face of the green. The turf health of the green is reasonable and it is not impeded by any shading issues from the surrounding trees. The green was reasonably firm at the time of the visit and in relatively good health. Year 5 2 nd Hole The 2 nd is a par 4, 337 yard hole heading in a westerly orientation. General view of 2 nd hole Compartment 2A The back of the 2 nd tee complex is dominated by poa annua and is somewhat disease ridden and quite weak. This is undoubtedly due to the small stand of 10 or so sycamores and occasional silver birch positioned directly behind this playing surface. I recommend that all of these trees are removed as they are serving no screening purpose and indeed are blocking views out to the open countryside beyond. I feel that removal of these trees will bring about significant and almost immediate improvement in the turf health of the 2 nd tees and reduce the management costs of this area. Year 2. Sycamores and silver birch Crompton & Royton Golf Club 21

22 Compartment 2B Striking a ball from the 2 nd tee the golfer is presented with a dense group of trees to the right hand side of the tee complex and carry which denote the boundary of the course. These trees are dominated by sycamore, hawthorn, ash, rowan, pine and beech and although densely packed are creating an ecologically rich area providing cover and nesting opportunities for birds. The understorey is in places however becoming dominated by Himalayan balsam which should be dealt with in accordance with the Himalayan balsam adjoining. Himalayan balsam requiring removal To the left of the carry is a small narrow stand of mature, deciduous trees which are protecting the 18 th tees and as such should remain in-situ. Visibility through to the 18 th tees is still good however and a rule is in place to the effect that no-body should strike a ball off the 2 nd tees until the 18 th tees have been cleared. I feel however that the trees do provide some cover and protection for those on the 18 th tees and should therefore remain untouched. Year 1. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 22

23 Compartment 2C The 2 nd fairway opens up to a generous width and continues in an essentially straight line to the green, protected by several mounds and a preceding wide bunker face. To the right the hole is very open, bordered by an adjoining hole with no strategic definition between the two. Here there may be an opportunity to develop a narrow band (perhaps 5-8 m of fringing or deep rough grassland). This would however require intense management as the existing rough grassland along the flank of the hole is currently dominated by coarse species. Fringing rough is the best option at this time and as such the sward should be cut on a monthly basis and scarified with all arisings collected twice per year. Year 1. Compartment 2D The backdrop of the 2 nd green is framed by a narrow line of mature deciduous trees mainly consisting of sycamore and cherry. These again provide some segregation from the adjoining fairway and as such should be retained in-situ. These trees do not cause any issues with the 2 nd green which is currently in good health and no management works are required at this time. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 23

24 3 rd Hole The 3 rd hole is a par 4, 320 yards from the white tees, heading in a north-westerly orientation. The tee complex is protected by a band of beech, cherry and silver birch which again is protecting the golfer from an adjacent fairway. Given their orientation these trees are causing some weakness to the turf, particularly to the back of the 3 rd tee complex, however I am reluctant to recommend their removal as they clearly provide some significant protection to the golfer. This could be something to discuss with the club to gather opinion on health and safety aspects at this point. Compartment 3A To the left hand side of the tee complex is a small stand of laurel which I recommend is removed as, this non-native feature does look somewhat out of place in an otherwise largely native environment. Year 3. Laurel requiring removal Compartment 3B Playing out from the 3 rd tee the golfer is presented with a ridge meaning that the majority of the hole is not visible from the tee complex. A guide post takes the golfer towards the pin. Some rough grassland is presented to the left hand side of the 3 rd carry and this is a mix of Yorkshire fog and perennial ryegrass. This area would benefit from a cut, scarification and collection on a twice per year basis to reduce nutrient levels, open up the sward and promote finer leaved species which have greater usual impact and are made playable from a golfing perspective. Year 1. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 24

25 Compartment 3C The 3 rd hole is segregated from the neighbouring 7 th hole by a narrow band of mature trees which include poplar and sycamore. These poplars are quite mature and, given their tendency to degenerate from the inside out and crack/fall without warning, I recommend the Club should begin a phased removal of these trees as they do look somewhat out of place and are not carrying a significant screening value with them. I recommend taking down perhaps three of these trees in year one followed by a further three in year two and carrying on until all have been removed. The rough grassland in this area is already providing excellent segregation between these holes. Years 1 & 2. Compartment 3D Heading over the brow of the hill the 3 rd hole continues downhill before making an abrupt dogleg to the right for the final approach to the green. The hole is open to the right, bordered by the 2 nd hole and a narrow tree line continues to the left comprising poplar, giving way to sycamore, silver birch and cherry with occasional pine interspersed. In the short-term I recommend the removal of a few of the smaller and weaker trees in this tree line to open up views between holes and begin to gradually reduce the tree dominance that has occurred in recent years. Year 4. Trees earmarked for removal Crompton & Royton Golf Club 25

26 Compartment 3E Although again quite a wide fairway is allowed on the 3 rd hole, given the lack of visibility from the tee I think it would be unfair to introduce rough grassland to either side here. The dogleg to the right for the green approach is however extremely generous in width in terms of maintained intensively managed turf. There is some rough grassland in and amongst the trees on the steep slope to the right and I do feel that this could be brought down by a further 10 m, forcing the golfer to play a more strategic shot over the bunker and giving them less opportunity to avoid the hazard. The deep grassland in this area is extremely nutrient rich, dominated by Yorkshire fog but upon close inspection of the intensively managed turf immediately adjacent to this coarse grassland the turf is dominated by fescue and as such the creation of a deep rough grassland sward in this area would offer significant visual appeal and would not overly impede the golfer. Annual maintenance of a cut, scarification and collection once per year will be required. Year 2 Potential to increase extent of rough grassland. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 26

27 Compartment 3F Forming the backdrop of the 3 rd green is a single line of large beech which are protecting golfers working on a pathway behind. These trees do block out enjoyable views of the countryside beyond however and a viable alternative may be to develop a hedgerow here consisting of hawthorn, holly, beech and dogwood which could be developed prior to any tree removal and maintained at a height of 2m thereby still providing viable cover. 4 th Hole The 4 th hole is a par 3, 150 yards from the white tee, heading due north down a fairly steep hill to a platform green below. Compartment 4A The first key issue concerning the 4 th hole is the dense vegetation surrounding the tee complex. Firstly, laurel forms a dense screen along the back of the 4 th tee complex to a height of perhaps 4 m and this adjoins a hawthorn and sycamore dominated woodland edge immediately to the right of the 4 th tee complex. The result is that the sward here is quite weak and open with signs of clover and moss creeping in. It is appreciated that the laurel is a necessary screening feature from the 2 nd hole behind, however to the right of the tee complex the hawthorn and sycamore which are causing the most shading issues could be taken back or Crompton & Royton Golf Club 27

28 thinned out considerably to provide more light and airflow through to the playing surface. In addition, the laurel could be taken down from its current height of around 4 5 m in height to perhaps 3 m which would still offer good protection whilst allowing some additional sunlight down onto the playing surface as they are reaching the end of their lifecycles and may pose a health and safety issue in future years. Year 2. Compartment 4B To the left hand side of the 4 th green approach there is a small but dense stand of trees, consisting of rowan, holly, silver birch and 4-5 grey poplars. Ultimately, to continue the gradual progression towards a native golf course, the hole would benefit from the removal of these trees. Year 5. Compartment 4C Compartment 4B gives way to a secondary stand of rowan and sycamore which again is very dense and should be thinned by approximate 25%. Additionally, to the back of the 4 th green are 4-5 pine trees and a lone rowan, which do look somewhat out of place and are only shielding views to the fields behind. I recommend removal of these trees. Year 3. Compartment 4D To the back left of the 4 th green is an area of nutrient rich wetland which surrounds a small stream running through this area of the course. The stream is considerably choked with amongst other things bulrush and Himalayan balsam and other nutrient rich plants are dominating the area around this stream. It would be prudent to undertake an annual clearance of Himalayan balsam, particularly Crompton & Royton Golf Club 28

29 given the invasive nature of this species and also thin out the remaining vegetation periodically to ensure water flow is maintained. Year 2. 5 th Hole The 5 th is a par 4, 330 yards from the white tees, heading in a north-westerly orientation. Compartment 5A The 5 th hole immediately opens out into generously wide fairway and this presents a prime area where rough grassland could be brought out by perhaps 5 m to either side of the fairway. This grassland will require a cut and scarification, with all arisings collected twice per year. Compartment 5B There is a strong tree line along both flanks of the 5 th hole, dominated by silver birch. The trees here are in good condition and little management is required with these trees at this time. They should Crompton & Royton Golf Club 29

30 however be monitored annually for signs of decay, and thinning work may be considered however this would be outside the scope of this 5 year plan. Compartment 5C A smaller group of trees to the left hand side of the 5 th fairway is headed by a very mature grey poplar which could potentially pose a health and safety risk, given its age and stature and should certainly be monitored closely over the next two to three years. Removal of this tree may be required, depending upon its condition, in Year 4 of this plan. The remainder of the trees in this grouping are dominated by poorly growing sycamore and occasional rowan. Ideally these trees will be subjected to a 10% thin however it is a low priority at this time and should be considered in Year 5 of this plan. 6 th Hole The 6 th is a par 3 hole, 168 yards from the white tees, heading in a south-easterly orientation. General view of 6 th tee Compartment 6A The 6 th tee complex is bordered by laurel which does look somewhat out of place. Ideally this will be removed as part of the programme to reduce non-native species on the golf course. A suitable replacement if required would be hawthorn and holly. Year 3. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 30

31 Compartment 6B The short 6 th hole plays downhill, across an extensive carry, dominated by deep rough grassland. Standing on the front of the tees and looking across this carry there are some significant differences in composition, most notably between the left and right hand sides of the pathway that runs down the centre of the area. To the left there is a mixture of largely find leaved grasslands with occasional broader ryegrasses and Yorkshire fogs and a clump of Himalayan balsam that needs to be controlled immediately. However, to the right of the path there is a distinct change to a completely coarse grass dominated species. It is perhaps the steep slope in this area that is causing it to be quite wet. The entire carry would benefit, if accessible to machinery, from a cut and scarification with collection of all arisings twice per year. Year 2. Compartment 6C The beech dominated tree line to the right hand side of the 6 th hole continues up until the steep dip which leads to the stream crossing the fairway. Here the tree line gives way to several significantly sized Leylandii. The purpose of these trees is unclear as they do not appear to be required for screening purposes and as such, and given their age and potential for collapse I recommend their immediate removal. The steep uphill approach to the 6 th green has clearly been an area that has been problematic in terms of drainage in the past and there are signs of recent herringbone drainage having been installed in this slope. This seems to be functioning well with the area being very dry at the time of the visit. The stream that runs along the valley, cutting across the 5 th and 6 th holes is channelled away through a dedicated ditch that has been reinforced by sleepers. The entire grassland area around this area is currently intensively managed. It may be beneficial from an ecological and visual point of view to introduce a small tract of rough grassland to either side of the channel, perhaps 1-2 m in width which would not only serve to catch a rolling ball down the steep slopes in this area but would also offer wildlife dispersal opportunities. Year 1. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 31

32 7 th Hole The 7 th hole is a par 5 extending 508 yards from the white tees, heading in a westerly orientation. The green is not visible from the tees, with the hole playing up over a crest. General view of 7 th hole Compartment 7A To the left is an open and sporadic tree line dominated by sycamore, many of these trees look to be in poor health and thinning works should be commenced in the coming years. The turf health of the tee complex is quite poor and the sward is looking very weak with signs of disease and clover. This is certainly due to the close proximity of the bank of trees around the back of the tee complex. These trees are dominated by sycamore and beech and given their close proximity to the tees, indeed many branches are overhanging, light and air movement around this area is very poor. I think there would be considerable benefit in firstly removing the sycamore in the very back left corner of the tee complex and also perhaps the three beech directly to its left. This would take the tree line back away from the tees in a south-westerly orientation, thereby opening up further light penetration to the surface. Year 1. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 32

33 Compartment 7B Given the generous nature of the intensively maintained playing surface afforded to the golfer on the 7 th hole there is potential to increase rough grassland development, certainly on the right flank of the hole, extending out by approximately 5 m. Reaching the crest of the hill on the 7 th the approach to the green gradually heads downhill, continuing with the tree line to the right hand side as before. Given the crest of the hill it would be prudent to sweep the rough grassland back into the woodland approaching the crest and just beyond the crest before allowing it to extend back out again at a reasonable distance as indicated on the drawing. This area should be cut and scarified with all arisings collected on a twice per year basis. Year 4. Compartment 7C This large and extensive woodland copse to the right hand side of the 7 th hole runs along the majority of the hole and is dominated by ash, sycamore, beech, occasional horse chestnut and alder with silver birch, rowan and pine interspersed. Tree cover is quite dense and very little light penetrates down to the ground flora. Ideally the whole area would be subjected to a 20% thin over the course of the five year management plan and in addition, and as indicated on the drawing the creation of perhaps two or three 15 m wide cut-through s at an angle oblique to play would be beneficial in opening up views out to the countryside beyond. This would reduce the oppression caused by the dense tree line and make the course appear more open. The back of the 7 th green is bordered by two large sycamores, a horse chestnut and three reasonably sized rowan. There were also several low growing hawthorns present. These trees aren t currently causing any harm to the turf surface and provide a useful backdrop, offering perspective to the golfer. Little work is required at this stage. Year 3. 8 th Hole The 8 th hole is a par 5 hole, 481 yards from the white tees heading generally east. General view of the 8 th hole Crompton & Royton Golf Club 33

34 Compartment 8A Vegetation around the 8 th tee complex requires quite extensive work. To the back there are dense stands of laurel together with a series of poplars, to the right we have some mature beech and sycamore and to the left and right are problems with ingress of Himalayan balsam. The Himalayan balsam needs to be eradicated at the earliest opportunity and I suggest that this is perhaps one of the key target areas in which to commence the overall Himalayan balsam eradication programme. It is assumed that the laurel is present due to the property that is in close proximity so it may well be that the laurel needs to remain. The health of the tee will also benefit from some judicious pruning of the trees to the right hand side of the tee complex. Year 1. Himalayan balsam ingress Compartment 8B A rough grassland carry has been developed on the 8 th hole. This is however dominated by coarse grassland species largely of Yorkshire fog and ryegrass and to the lower part of the carry there are a series of soft rushes highlighting how this is quite a wet area. This area is not an easy place to manage, however if machinery can be brought in then a cut, scarification and collection on a twice per year basis would help to improve the quality of the area. Year 4. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 34

35 Compartment 8C The 8 th hole is a prime area for rough grassland introduction to both the left and right hand flanks of the fairway. This would serve to provide definition which would allow a gradual tree removal programme to take place to both sides of the fairway. It is thought considerable time and resources could be saved by implementing this measure. Year 4. Compartment 8D The long 8 th hole rises up during the green approach, to the right hand side is an individual stand of rowan, silver birth and cherry which are thought to be in place to protect the golfer approaching the 8 th green from somebody driving off the 9 th tees. These trees appear quite contrived and it would be beneficial to remove approximately five or six of these trees to create a more natural appearance. Year 5. Compartment 8E The back of the 8 th green is protected by a series of Leylandii, together with sycamore and silver birch. A young cherry tree has been introduced on top of a mound at the back of the 8 th green which does look somewhat out of place and will, as it grows further continue to look further out of place. I recommend that this tree is removed. Although there for protection, I recommend that the Leylandii are ultimately removed following introduction of a small deciduous tree copse directly in front, consisting of hornbeam and field maple. These low growing trees will ultimately provide similar cover to the Leylandii. Once the trees are introduced (note only a small grouping is required) Crompton & Royton Golf Club 35

36 perhaps c.6-7 trees the Leylandii can gradually be reduced in height and can ultimately be removed. Their removal will however be outside the scope of this management plan. Year 5. 9 th Hole The 9 th hole is a par 4/5, extending 446 yards off the white tees and heading due south. General view of the 9 th hole Compartment 9A The tee is bordered to both the left and right by stands of laurel which I recommend are removed due to their non-native character and also to the right by two large mature Leylandii trees which are not felt to be offering any specific protection and should also be removed over the course of this plan. Sycamore and ash are also present around the tee and the playing surface is in relatively poor health with very patchy growth, weak turf dominated by meadow-grass, perhaps due to the overhanging trees, but certainly due to a lack of air movement. Turf health could be improved by taking a chunk of the sycamore out adjacent to the tees in a south-easterly orientation as indicated on the compartmentalised drawing. Year 4. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 36

37 Remove laurel Thinning work would improve turf health Compartment 9B The 9 th hole heads out of a relatively narrow aperture compared to many of the other holes. To the right hand side there is a flank of poplar, alder and silver birch. The poplar should be gradually removed in favour of the smaller rowans that are growing up in and amongst. The rowan are far more appropriate trees for this area and the poplar will begin to present problems in the coming years including shading, drainage, obstruction and debris. Year 5. Compartment 9C Within this area are further sycamore and three Leylandii which again appear to be doing little to offer any protection and should overtime be removed. Year 4 Compartment 9D To the left hand side of the 9 th carry is a good tract of deep rough grassland providing visual interest on the course and there is potential to extend this out considerably across the fairway, acting almost as a carry and perhaps meeting up with the small patch of grassland to the other flank. This would reduce mowing regimes considerably and also create a further challenge on the 9 th. Year 3. Rough grassland could be developed along perimeter of hole Crompton & Royton Golf Club 37

38 Compartment 9E From the end of the carry the 9 th opens up considerably and joins completely with the adjacent 10 th fairway, as indicated in 9E on the drawing and even the creation of a narrow tract of rough grassland which could be used to link up the two existing areas of rough grassland one close to the green and one close to the tee would at least provide some segregation and definition between these two holes and try and encourage play to remain within its designated areas. Rough grassland could also be introduced to the left hand flank of the 9 th hole. Year 2. Compartment 9F The 9 th hole continues downhill to the green situated close to the clubhouse. To the right of the green approach is an excellent area of rough grassland on a steep banking. Within this there are however a series of planted and perhaps self-set trees including rowan, horse chestnut, poplar and pine which could ultimately compromise the quality of this grassland and certainly inhibits its management. The rough grassland stands up on its own as a strong ecological and visual feature and I would be of the opinion that over the course of the next five years that these trees should be gradually removed or transplanted to other areas of the course. Years 1 5. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 38

39 10 th Hole The 10 th is a par 4, 422 yards from the white tees heading north. Compartment 10A Immediately to the left of the 10 th fairway is a small copse of deciduous trees to the left which could be thinned out through the centre by approximately 25% to allow remaining trees to develop into more rounded specimens. Year 2. Compartment 10B To the left hand side of the 10 th fairway are a group of ten individually placed mature Leylandii s which do stand out somewhat and although are screening the adjacent fairway I feel there is a more appropriate way of doing this. I recommend three of these trees are removed in Year 1 and two small groupings of deciduous trees positioned as indicated on the compartmentalised drawing under Compartment 10B. As these trees begin to establish the remainder of the Leylandii s can gradually be taken down. It is felt that given their age and current condition they may have another ten years before they fall, equally however a harsh winter could bring them down much sooner. Indeed, rough grassland may well be an option to the left hand side of the 10 th as a viable way of segregating the two fairways. Year 1. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 39

40 Compartment 10C Approaching the 10 th green there is an extremely wide intensively managed area of turf provided for the golfer however, this is probably due to the blind nature of the 10 th green approach from where the second shot would be taken. The backdrop to the 10 th is dominated by the very tall grey poplar that forms part of the tree line to the back of the green. The gradual removal of these non-native trees would improve the visual appeal of this area. Year th Hole The 11 th is a par 4, extending 388 yards from the white tees and heading generally west before reorientating to a more south-westerly direction to the green. General view of 11 th hole Compartment 11A The 11 th tee complex is in a relatively open area surrounded by other playing surfaces. As such there are no shade issues associated with this and the health of the tee is strong. This group of cherry and sycamore to the left hand side of the 11 th hole should be thinned by 20% over the five years of this plan and gradually further reduced over time as I feel rough grassland would form a much more suitable defining feature between the holes. Year 2. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 40

41 Compartment 11B At the bottom of the hill just before the dogleg to the left the tree line gets stronger on the right hand side dominated by ash and alder, these trees would benefit from a thin taking approximately 10% in Year 1. This work would also incorporate the smaller copse to the left hand side. Compartment 11C There is a considerable opportunity to introduce more rough grassland to either side of the 11 th fairway to provide further definition and reduce maintenance requirements. This can be achieved by scarifying the area twice per year for 2 years, before allowing the sward to develop into deeper rough which can then be cut and scarified with all arisings collected twice per year thereafter. Year th Hole The par 4/5 hole is a 456 yard hole from the white tees heading generally in an easterly orientation. General view of 12 th hole The 12 th tees sit in an area that has been recently scarified and oversown with fescue, around 12 months ago however the nature of the ground has meant that the majority of the fescue has not taken and what we have been left with is coarse grassland, Yorkshire fog dominant and significant amounts of Himalayan balsam coming through. It is worth noting that the substrate is very sandy in this area which is perhaps contributing to these issues. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 41

42 Compartment 12A The back and left of the 12 th tees is dominated by 5-6 m high laurel and this is clearly acting as a screen to the residential areas behind and therefore very little can be done. There is however a small amount of gorse that is reaching the degenerate stage of its life cycle and this should be cut down to 75 mm and allowed to regenerate. Year 1. Compartment 12B In recent months there has been an attempt at oversowing with fescue to both the left and right hand sides of the 12 th carry however this has struggled to establish. The Club expressed the desire to develop some wildflower areas in this section, this could only be achieved by a full rotovation of the land and the purchase of wildflower specimens which are quite expensive, but a full rotovation will be required before the land would be in a condition to receive wildflowers. To the left hand side of the carry a significant amount of gorse has begun to establish. Whilst the gorse does enhance the previous heathland character of the course the nature of this gorse is so aggressive that it is becoming a little out of control. It would be worth thinning out this gorse, perhaps taking half away and allowing the other half to develop into more significant specimens. Year 2. Compartment 12C To the left of the gravel pathway at the front of the 12 th carry we have a diverse mix of trees including silver birch, Leylandii and laurel. The Leylandii are apparently serving no strategic purpose, indeed neither are the laurel and as such these could be removed immediately to allow the other trees to develop into better quality specimens. The carry to the red tees is in much better condition than that on the right here we have swathes of grassland which have been allowed to develop into deep rough and are providing superb visual and strategic definition. They are however quite coarse in nature and would benefit from an annual cut, scarification and collection however, what has been achieved here is superb. As the 12 th opens up we again have opportunities for rough grassland, this has already been indicated on the left hand flank under the 11 th hole recommendations, however further rough grassland to the right hand side could be extended out in accordance with Compartment 12C. Year 5. 13th Hole The 13 th hole is a par 4 extending 379 yards from the white tees heads and heading in a southerly orientation. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 42

43 General View of 13 th Hole Compartment 13A The silver birch and cherry trees in this area are situated in a south-easterly orientation from the tees and are contributing to weak turf in this area. Some benefit could be achieved by removing the group of three cherry s close together and shown in the photograph below. This would allow more light and airflow down onto the playing surface. Year 5. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 43

44 Cherry trees adjacent to 12 th hole Compartment 13B The 13 th plays over a hollow which has been allowed to develop as a deep grassland carry. This area has steep banking s and therefore it would be impossible to bring in any heavy machinery to impact management. The banks of this hollow are dominated by Yorkshire fog however, much better quality grassland species are present through the centre of the hollow. Little can be done to improve the quality at this time however it will be crucial not to allow the illicit dumping of grass clippings into this hollow as this will further compound the problem. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 44

45 Rough grassland hollow Compartment 13C Following the grassland carry is a small group of trees to the left hand side of the fairway. These trees are largely rowan and sycamore and are starting to enclose and narrow the aperture through which the 13 th hole is played. There are also trees to the right hand side of the hole, however these must be left as they are, including the poplars for the time being as there is a significant screening issue with an adjacent housing development. It will be important however to monitor the poplar for signs of decay as it is quite mature. The trees to the left of the 13 th fairway however indicated as compartment 13C on the drawing should be thinned out by 20% and should also be pruned back to ensure the aperture through from the 13 th tee is kept open. Year 3. Compartment 13D The 13 th hole then opens out into a wide intensively managed playing area, heading downhill towards the green. There is potential to extend the rough grassland that exists at the start of the left hand side of the hole and continue this down the left hand flank of the hole, linking up with the existing grassland further towards the green. This would serve to provide more appropriate definition between the holes. This grassland should be cut and scarified twice per year with all arisings collected. Year 2. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 45

46 Down the right hand flank of the 13 th the strong tree line continues with several further Leylandii. It is felt that the deciduous trees planted around the Leylandii are now of sufficient stature to allow the Leylandii to be removed on a phased basis. This will be a tricky operation as the Leylandii are now completely consumed by the deciduous trees however, this should be possible on a piecemeal basis. Highlights a cracked and degenerate Leylandii and also one that has recently fallen, further highlighting the urgency of this issue. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 46

47 Compartment 13E Compartment 13E This small group of pines with occasional silver birch is situated in a grassy hollow to the left hand side of the 13 th hole. The grassy hollow is dominated by fescue with some gorse beginning to appear, there were also several oak saplings visible in this area. Whilst I don t think it is practical or necessary to consider the removal of all the pine and silver birch, there would be a benefit to removing saplings of oak and occasional rowan which are appearing to keep this area as open as possible and allow further development of the grassland and the gorse. Year th Hole The 14 th hole is a par 3 hole extending 203 yards from the white tees and heading in a easterly orientation. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 47

48 General View Compartment 14A The tee complex is very much adjacent to the Golf Club boundary with trees directly to the back of the tee causing shading, these trees are largely beech and sycamore. The trees are causing some weakening of the turf but I feel it would be impossible to consider their removal given the screen they currently offer. Compartment 14B The 14 th plays out adjacent to the 9 th green. It is understood that a series of mature Leylandii were removed from the right hand side of the carry area in recent times which has been a significant improvement in terms of bringing light and airflow to the turf and also preventing views from the clubhouse out onto the golf course. Looking out further ahead there are further Leylandii trees which are forming a screen to the practice nets and ultimately these trees will need to be removed as they are beginning to look quite degenerate, these should perhaps be taken down in the first three years of the plan. Year 3. Compartment 14C For a straight par 3 the playing area is extremely generous and there is considerable potential here to extend the rough grassland out from the left hand flank of the hole as the currently maintained Crompton & Royton Golf Club 48

49 area is completely fescue dominant and ideal for golfing rough. It will be possible to immediately allow this grassland to grow up into deep rough grassland as indicated in compartment 14C without any additional management requirements. It will be prudent to cut and scarify this on a once per year basis with collection of arisings. Year 1. Compartment 14D Also to the left hand side of the 14 th hole is a large stand of pine, birch and sycamore and although the majority should be retained the stand would benefit from a 25% thin over the first five years of management. Years 3 5. Compartment 14E A straight line of spindly Lombardy poplar which aren t apparently necessary from a screening perspective and offer little ecological interest detract from the long distance views here. I recommend that these trees are removed before they fully mature. Year 3. Lombardy poplar to the right of the 14 th hole Crompton & Royton Golf Club 49

50 Compartment 14F The backdrop to the 14 th, highlighted by the photograph below is somewhat obscured by the presence of five or six young ash trees which are detracting from the long distance views on this hole. Their removal should be considered if the Club see fit. Trees obscuring views to back of 14 th hole 15 th Hole The 15 th hole is a par 4 extending 320 yards from the white tees and heading generally east. The tee complex to the 15 th hole is bordered by trees to three sides, however they are deemed to be necessary from a screening perspective and little needs to be done with thee trees at this time. Several of the tees are looking slightly degenerate and should be monitored for signs of further decay. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 50

51 General View Compartment 15A Standing on the tee the golfer drives out over a carry that is formed only by semi-rough. However, given the nature of the rough grassland to the right hand flank i.e. extremely mesotophic and very nutrient rich the likelihood of being able to bring about a fine leaved dominated grassland carry in this area is slim and as such this should be the continued practice. It may be worth running a flail collector/scarifier through the dense scrub that is present to the right hand side of the 15 th hole to try and reduce the nutrients somewhat and increase the visual appeal of this area. Year 1. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 51

52 Mesotrophic area of rough Further along compartment 15A the area becomes dominated by Himalayan balsam and this should be controlled at the earliest opportunity. The remainder of the right hand flank of the 15 th hole is dominated by a strong deciduous treeline which is providing a barrier between the golf course and a neighbouring housing estate. No management work is required in this area at this time. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 52

53 15 th Fairway Compartment 15B In this area to the left of the 15 th hole, the dense bramble and scrub further into this area is offering good quality wildlife habitat however, the grassland fringe with its thistle and Himalayan balsam dominated area does look somewhat unsightly and this could be tackled by running a flail collector through the area once every 3 years. Year 2. Compartment 15C The hole heads very steeply downhill to a wide playing area. Given the blind nature of the tee shot it will be necessary to keep this area quite wide, however once past the extent of the first tee shot there is potential to extend rough grassland out from both sides of the hole to narrow down the fairway and reduce the management requirements of the hole, whilst making it more strategically interesting. Year 2. Compartment 15D The approach to the 15 th green heads uphill and doglegs to the left. To the left of the approach is an area of good quality rough grassland that has been allowed to develop relatively untouched. The only management necessary in this area is the control of some of the invading scrub on a three yearly basis. Years 2 & 5. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 53

54 Rough grassland adjacent to the 15 th hole. Compartment 15E This area dominated by Himalayan balsam will need some control measures implementing in accordance with The Himalayan Balsam Control Advice Sheet. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 54

55 Himalayan balsam requiring management Compartment 15F The 15 th green is fairly open, however there are a group of six/seven mature deciduous trees in a south-easterly orientation to the green which may be causing some shading issues. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 55

56 Shading issues The only way to bring about any significant improvement however will be to remove all of these trees and I do not feel that this is a feasible option at the present time. It will be for the Club to determine how bad disease and management problems are on the 15 th green before making a decision on this. 16 th Hole The 16 th hole is a par 3 extending 190 yards from the white tees and heading in a westerly direction. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 56

57 General View of 16 th Hole Compartment 16A The 16 th tee complex is surrounded by trees including beech, sycamore, silver birch and ash. Turf health is quite weak however the trees are screening the golf course from the neighbouring allotments and housing development. No further tree removal works should be undertaken in this area however the dense band of nettle that has developed would benefit from being cut down once every three years to reduce the nutrient levels and improve the visual aspect of this area of the course. Years 1 & 4. Compartment 16B This area to the right hand side of the 16 th hole is currently intensively maintained but could be developed as deeper rough grassland and managed by cut and scarification work twice per year with all arisings collected. Year 1. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 57

58 Potential to extend rough grassland out and into play. Compartment 16C To the back and right of the 16 th hole is a large area of mesotophic grassland and scrub dominated by Himalayan balsam and nettle. This area could be a superb grassland meadow habitat if a cutting regime was implemented. The area should if possible be cut, scarified with all arisings collected on a twice per year basis. Year 3. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 58

59 Scrub development on 16 th hole. 17 th Hole The 17 th hole is a par 4 extending 425 yards from the white tees and heading in a north northwesterly orientation. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 59

60 General View of 17 th hole Compartment 17A The tee complex is bordered by deciduous trees (largely silver birch) which are providing some screening from a shot played off the 16 th hole. These are making the turf somewhat weak and disease prone and I feel the health of the turf would be greatly improved by the removal of the four deciduous trees to the back of the green as presented in the photo below. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 60

61 The removal of 4 trees in this area would improve turf health. Compartment 17B On the green approach to the right stands a dense copse of five trees deep which segregate the 17 th from the practice area. These trees consist largely of silver birch, sycamore, ash and rowan and are blocking excellent views across the valley and I would suggest that two to three cut-throughs are created in this copse in addition to a 10% thin. Year 4. Compartment 17C An area of rough grassland may be developed on the right hand side in front of the trees in Compartment 17B to provide further definition to this hole. If allowed to develop, management should take the form of a cut and scarification twice per year with collection of all arisings. Year 3 Crompton & Royton Golf Club 61

62 Potential to extend existing excellent rough grassland 18 th Hole The 18 th hole is a par 4 extending 369 yards from the white tees heads due south. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 62

63 General View of 18 th Hole The 18 th tee complex is bordered by trees to three sides, largely consisting of rowan, ash and sycamore. The trees to the back are providing some screening from the tee shot off the 2 nd hole and are not currently causing too much of an issue in terms of turf health. Indeed, the orientation of the tee is such that turf health is not affected by trees in this area. Compartment 18A The trees to the left hand side of the tee complex segregate the 17 th from the 18 th. To reduce the dated appearance, removing one in every eight trees would serve to open up the areas somewhat. Year 5. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 63

64 Major thinning works would enhance the natural appearance of this area. Compartment 18B The 18 th heads in an almost direct straight line downhill to the green. The fairway is wide in places and rough grassland could be extended out as indicated on compartment 18B in the drawing. The grassland should be cut out and scarified twice per year with all arisings collected. Year 2. Compartment 18C Towards the green approach the 18 th heads down a steep banking into a hollow, this banking is covered in extremely good quality fine leaved grassland which is perhaps the finest example on the golf course. The only management recommended here is annual monitoring for any scrub invasion and to ensure that any scrub is removed at the earliest opportunity. Annual. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 64

65 Goof quality grassland adjacent to the 18 th hole. Compartment 18D The grassland banking s to both the left and right of the green approach are becoming dominated by oak and ash saplings. I recommend that these are removed immediately as the longer they are left the harder they will be to remove. It is far better to leave this as an open grassland habitat. Removed trees could be transplanted elsewhere on the course. Year 4. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 65

66 Grassland to the left of the 18 th hole. Compartment 18E The green itself is set in somewhat of a bowl and is surrounded by sycamore and pine trees. These have been covered already in previous recommendations. The turf health of the green is not apparently overly impeded by shading issues at this time of year, however in the winter it could be that one or two of the pine and oak specimens in a south-easterly orientation of this green are causing significant shade problems. It would be prudent to consider the removal of one or two of these trees to the impact that it has on turf health. Year 3. Crompton & Royton Golf Club 66

67 Summary of Compartments Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 1a 1d 3a 3d 1e 1b 2a 4c 5c 4b 1c 3c 5a 7b 5c 2b 3e 6a 8b 8d 2c 4a 7c 8c 8e 3b 4d 9d 9a 9b 3c 6b 11c 9c 12c 6c 9e 13c 10c 13a 7a 10a 14b 14d 14d 8a 11a 14d 16a 15d 9f 12b 14e 17b 18a 10b 13d 16c 18d 11b 15b 17c 12a 15c 18e 13e 15d 14c 18b 15a 15e 16a 16b Signed Principal Consultant STRI Ltd Crompton & Royton Golf Club 67

68 APPENDICIES Crompton & Royton Golf Club 68

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70 ª ª ª øæß ±Æ ª ƪ ª ± ± ºø ªÆ ±Æ ª ƪ ª ± ±Æ øæø ª ª ± ø ø ª ªÚ Ú øß ± ª ª ƪø ± ºø ªÆ ± ø ƺ øæ ß Ú fl ø øæ øæ ß Æª ª ø ± ± æ ªÆª øæ ª ƪª øæª ª ªÆª ß ± ªÆ ø æ Æ ± øß ±Æ ƪ øæ ß ªº ± Æø µ Ú ª ª ª øæß ± ƪ ª ª ƪøº ± ø Ø øæø ªº ª ±Æ º ªø ª ø º º± ª ø ±Æºø ª ø ± ªº ªÆ ªº æß ø ±Æª Æß ± ± ø à ª ª º± ª ± ø ª ø ß ±æ ø ± ± ªº æß ±Æ ºªÆ ø ø ± øæ ø ª Ú fl «Ÿ Œ fl Ÿ ± ø ø ß «± ø ø ß ±Æ ø ª ª ª ß± ± ª ø º ± ª ƪª øæª Æ± ±Æ ß± øæª ø ª ø ø º ß± Æ ªø ª ª ª ß± ± ª ª ƪª Ú ÿ± ± ø ß «± ø ª ø ø ø ± ±Æ ±Æ ø ª ª ª Ʊ ø ß ±Æª Æß ø ø øæ ª ø Ú ±Æª ÆßÚ ± Ú µ Ú Ã ªÆª «± ø ± ª º ± ªº ± ª ± ø ø ± ª øæªø ± ª ± ø ± ± ª ƪª ß± ± ª Ú Ã ª ±Æª Æß ± ± ø ± ª ª ª ª Ô ªªµ ± ƪ ª Ú Œ fl fl ª ª øææ ª ø ª Æß ºø ª ø º ߪøÆ Ú Ã ª ª øæß Æ± ø ª ± ø ª ºª ª º ± ª Æ ø ª Ú ß± Æ ª ª ª º æª ±Æª ß± ø ª º± ª ø ª ª Ù ß± ± ª ª ª ª ª ª ƪ Ú «± ø ß ±Æ ø º æª ªº ø ª ª ª æª ±Æª ß± ø ª ª ƪ ± ª ƪª Ú fl Ã Õ ø ±æ ø ªº ø ª ª ±Æ ± ªÆ ø º ªÆ ± Ú Ã ø ªø Ù ± ± ± Ù ± ª ƪª Ù ª ªÆ ª ªÆÚ ø ± ªÆ ±Æ ª ø ± ªº ± ø ª ø ª Ù ª ±Æª Æß ± ± ø ªÆ ª ø ± ª ± ÆªÛ ± µ ª ø º ± ªÆ ªº ±Æ ø ß ± ªÆ ø º ø øßæª ø ƪªºÚ à ª ± ªÆ ±Æ ª ø ø ± ø ø ª ƪ ø ª ª ƪª ± ø ª øæ ª ø ºøƺ ±Æ ± Ô ßªøÆ Ú ÃŒ Œ Õ Œ flã Œ ŒÕ fl ƪª ƪ ªÆ ø ± ±ÆºªÆ à øºª æß ø ± ø ø fl ±Æ ß fl ø ß ø ±±º ø º Ʊ ºª æªæø ª ºø ø ª ø º ºª Æ ± Ú Ã é ƪ ª ª ª Ù ± Ù ± ±Æ Ʊ± ± ƪª ± ªÆ ± Ʊ ª ø fl ±Æ ßÚ ß± ± ª ƪª ø øæª ± ªÆªº æß ø ƪª ƪ ªÆ ø ± ±ÆºªÆÙ ª ±Æª Æß ± ± ºª ºª ª ªÆ ± Æø ø ª ª ª ø ªÆ ± ø ± ª ± ø ø fl ±Æ ß øæ± ß± Æ ø ø ± Ú ß± Æ Æª ± æ ß ± ±Æ ª ±Æª Æß ± ± ø ªÆª ø à ƪ ª ± ª ƪª Ø ª ± Ú ß± ø ± ±Æ ª ±Æª Æß ± ± ± ß± Æ ª ª ø ø ± øæ± ª ƪ ª ª ± ø à ª ª Æø ªº ª ª ± æª ø º ø º ß± ± ø ƪ ø ª ß ªø ß ± ºª ªÆ ª ª ªÆ ƪª ß± Æ ± ± Æ ª øæª ± ªÆªº æß Ã é æß ± ø ß± Æ ± ø ± ±Æ ø ± ø ø øæ ª ƪ øæº Ã é ± Ãƪª ƪ ªÆ ø ± ƺªÆ Ʊ ªº ƪ åú ± ª øæª ø ø øæ ª Ʊ ª ª øæ ª ± Ʊ ª Ù ÃÆø ±Æ ø º ª Œª ± Ù Œ Æø ª ª ± ª ± Ù º ª ø º ± Æß ºªÙ ± ª ÌÒfiÙ ø º ÿ± ªÙ fiæª ª ºª ø ªÙ ± º± Õ Ô Î ÀÚ Ã ±Æ ø ± ªª ± ø ª ªÆø ø ƪ ø º ª ºªº ± ß ± ± ª ª æø ±Æ ø ± Ú Õ ±Æ ø ± ± ± ƪ ª ª ºø ª ƪ ø ± ± ø ß Æ± ª Ò æ ª ± º ± ß æª ºªÆ øµª ø ªÆ ± ø ± ø Ʊ ºª øº ª ø ºÒ±Æ ƪ ª ø ±Æ øæ ß ±Æ ø ß ø øæ Ʊ ±Æµ ±Æ Æ ªÆ ±Æ ø ± Ù ªø ª ± ø ÕÃŒ ± ıïï ÔÓÈÏ ÎÍÎÔÌÔ ±Æ ± Æ Ú ±Ú µ Ú Æ Ú ±Ú µ

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72 DRAWING Crompton & Royton Golf Club 69

73 INDICATIVE drawing details client: Crompton & Royton Golf Club Limited project: STRI Crompton & Royton GC Compartment numbers