The Operation Pollinator Awards are open for entries now.
The award highlights the valuable endeavours of greenkeeping teams and clubs to provide essential habitats for pollinating insects, which also contributes hugely to overall biodiversity.
Utilising tiger rough and out of play areas for ecological habitat creation has little or no impact on golf course playability, yet provides a massive contribution to the environmental enhancement. It makes the golf course a more attractive place for players and wildlife.
Together, over 600 clubs have joined to create the industry’s biggest single environmental initiative.
The Operation Pollinator Award, judged by STRI as part of the Golf Environment Awards, rewards golf clubs that consistently deliver outstanding ecological habitat creation and management.
STRI Consultant Ecologist and Awards coordinator, Megan Stone, said: “With the ever-increasing spotlight on environmental matters, it is fundamentally important for golf courses to assess what they can do to achieve environmental sustainability, while continuing to maximise the enjoyment of golf.”
Since 1995 the aim of the Golf Environment Awards (GEAs) has been to recognise, reward and promote outstanding individuals and golf courses, no matter how big or small, for the time and effort they have put into protecting and preserving their unique surroundings.
“Golf clubs are seeing tangible results from environmental projects,” added Megan. “Many are achieving an increase in habitat varieties, improving playing experiences for golfers, and providing a positive contribution to wildlife and the communities in which their members live and work.”
Other categories in the Golf Environment Awards include:
- Ecological Project of the Year:
- Conservation Greenkeeper of the Year:
- Sustainable Project of the Year finalists:
- International Environmental Golf Course of the Year:
- UK Environmental Golf Club of the Year:
The finalists and overall award winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony during BTME at Harrogate in January 2024.
