Robots in the sky - Drones are helping map a more sustainable future

Drones cover large areas quickly and offer a non-intrusive way to observe wildlife and natural landscapes, reducing the need for human presence that could disrupt habitats.

We all appreciate the use of drones to map habitats has become a widespread practice in environmental conservation. These unmanned aerial vehicles provide detailed and accurate data, allowing researchers to monitor changes in ecosystems with precision. 

“England Golf’s proposed national habitSusat mapping project will directly support our wider sustainability aims,” stated Owen, “which will cover a wide range of topics underpinned by three sustainability pillars.”

• Environmental responsibility
• Economic activity
• Social progress

“Within each pillar, there are several principles that will directly help clubs, which include managing and mapping biodiversity. They could also be used as a valuable tool to assist with other activities on the course,” explained Owen.

• Financial opportunities to manage land through creating Biodiversity Net Gain units
• Habitat basemaps for assistance with management plans
• Record for golf courses to start making future masterplans (often neglected)
• Membership education of unique role golf can play in habitat management
• Reduction in management requirements of specific areas leading to fuel savings
• Future carbon gains through reduced use of machinery and sequestration in the soil
• Opportunity to help fund other habitat creation
• Opportunity to strengthen relationships with local community
• Local green assets offer wellbeing value to communities

“The creation of a habit map can assist clubs in assessing their current ecological value, which could be used to determine the potential for creating a more in depth Biodiversity Net Gain Credits (BNG) application,” clarified Owen.

Burnet moths on knapweed at Royal Portrush Golf Club © Sophie Olejnik

Understanding Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Golf clubs can significantly benefit from understanding and creating their own Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) plan. By quantifying and enhancing biodiversity on their land, golf clubs can contribute to environmental conservation while potentially generating additional income. This approach not only helps in offsetting ecological damage caused by industrial or residential developments, but also promotes a healthier ecosystem. Enhanced biodiversity can improve the aesthetic and ecological value of the golf course, attracting more visitors and fostering a positive public image. Additionally, golf clubs can partner with developers to create biodiverse landscapes, further supporting conservation efforts. Embracing BNG can lead to sustainable management practices, helping both the environment and the golf club’s long-term success.

How does it work?

Biodiversity Metric 4.0 is a standardised tool used to measure changes in biodiversity. It focuses on habitats rather than individual species and incorporates factors such as habitat type, condition, connectivity and significance. The metric then calculates the biodiversity value (in monetary terms) of habitats by assigning biodiversity units based on these factors.

“In order to maximise the biodiversity units present on site, a club needs to address their existing management practices according to the National Biodiversity Metric condition,” explained Owen. “Assessment of the golf course during the optimal season (April-October) is best and will allow the club to pinpoint ‘out-of-play’ areas for improvement. You should use a qualified ecologist to help with this and later to help develop and implement a more accurate habitat management policy. This would also enable the club to strategically plan future redevelopments without affecting their BNG ambitions.”

 For clubs to sell biodiversity units to developers, a detailed thirty year management and monitoring plan should be produced for their site and should include specific management prescriptions which aim to achieve and maintain a specific condition for each habitat, based on the latest Biodiversity Metric condition criteria. The plan should include the methods and reporting processes to be used for checking the success of habitat enhancement and creation, along with options for remedial intervention, where needed, if a habitat is not achieving its targeted condition.

Brown hare at Ganton Golf Club © Sophie Olejnik

Launch date

“We have conducted extensive field trials of this system so far and are hoping to share progress soon,” concluded Owen. “It’s very exciting and we hope we will be able to help organisations plan and navigate a more sustainable path in the future, which will be for the benefit of all.”

Finally

It just leaves me to acknowledge the effort and enthusiasm of Owen and the wider England Golf team, and express the appreciation of sharing this thrilling update on this exciting project. Like many, I’m sure, I look forward to seeing the incredible impact it will undoubtedly make on our environment and industry!

Owen James -  Sustainability Manager England Golf

Having previously worked in both greenkeeping and sustainability roles, Owen has a natural understanding for the nuances we recognise in the sports turf industry. Owen is now combining all his skills and passions for both the game and sustainability for England Golf and helping to drive their vision of supporting turf managers and organisations to understand their environmental potential.

For further information check out England Golf website