Ecological Management Plan

Rare wild Orchids in rough on hole 10

The Management Committee have engaged the Sports Turf Research Institute’s Ecology and Environment Unit to compile a Management Plan to ensure appropriate ecological management is undertaken to protect, enhance and preserve the various habitats that form the golf course and surrounding headland.


The purpose of the plan is to document the current and future requirements of the grasslands, gorse, trees and associated habitats on the golf course. We have over 400 species of flora and fauna on the course, many unique to their environment, all of which play a significant part in defining the experience at La Moye


Summary of management objectives –


· To enhance and maintain the prestigious nature of this links style course and to retain its reputation as a top class golfing venue.
· To recognise and conserve the landforms and associated habitats that play a fundamental part of the nature and quality of the golf course.
· Maintain the character of the golf course and the balance with the surrounding landscape.
· To display to members, visitors and local residents the wildlife value of the site and its importance to the local conservation framework.
· Promote and conserve the links landscape, which is underpinned by fixed dune grasslands, gorse and heather with occasional groups of native trees.
· Address the problem of continually establishing holm oak trees across the site.

Holm Oak Invasion Behind 12th Green

· Retain the size, health and connectivity of the different habitat types.
· Reinstate and conserve the botanical/ecological interest and diversity of the coastal fixed dune and species rich grasslands through appropriate management including ongoing tree/scrub removal.
· Recognise and ensure environmental sustainability through best practice by understanding and embracing new and developing environmental practices.


The rationale behind all suggested operations within the Management Plan is to ensure that we enhance the already superb golfing experience that La Moye has to offer. This pertains to both the strategic aspects of the course, ensuring the golfer has a challenging but fair round, and also to the aesthetic and nature conservation value of the site, which undoubtedly plays a significant part in the golfing experience, we all enjoy here at La Moye. We shall continue to consult with both the STRI and local experts in relation to the plan and proposed work which will include :-


· Coppicing, removing, planting and monitoring of gorse. To ensure plants remain healthy and are growing in the correct places.
· Removal of the invasive holm oak tree species, particularly on holes 10-14 where important fixed dune grasslands are being lost to this aggressively spreading tree species
· Timely cutting and scarifying of roughs to ensure stands remain generally open in nature and do not become too thick
· Management of bracken
· Arboreal work to retain the health of those trees we wish to retain


This is a very positive step in protecting the unique environment in which we play our golf and preserves the very distinct heritage, wildlife and character that defines La Moye.