Holm Oak Clearance

This week we have contractors on site clearing holm oak trees on holes 17 and 18 and from around the chipping area. The holm oak is an aggressive species which colonises areas rapidly if left unchecked. Once it gains a foothold it can turn an open landscape into woodland in a remarkably short space of time.

Holes 15-18 at La Moye are blessed with some of the best views to be found anywhere in Jersey. Unfortunately, over the years the unchecked spread of the holm oak has all but eliminated these views in some areas. In conjunction with our Ecological Management Plan we have embarked on a phased programme of holm oak clearance to open up the beautiful vistas we are blessed with. Some of the results are quite startling.

View From 18th Tee Prior To Works

View From 18th Following Clearance

There will be a large amount of clearing up to do once the contractors have left the site. We will reinstate the ground by scraping back to bare earth then seeding lightly with appropriate grasses. Holm Oak saplings will be removed as they emerge to ensure the area does not succumb to infestation in the future.

Temporary Closure Of Holes 17 and 18

Monday 17th – Friday 21st November

Holes 17 and 18 will be closed for 5 days to allow an intensive bunker refurbishment programme to be undertaken. Whilst the bunker work is being carried out J le Maistre Tree Surgery Ltd. will be clearing Holm Oaks on the same holes. This measure has been taken to protect course staff while working in greenside bunkers and to allow the free movement of machinery without disruption to members. In the event of the work being completed early then the holes will reopen earlier than planned.

The course staff would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused but trust members will understand the importance of this work taking place in a safe and timely manner.

Robin Dagger

In an attempt to penetrate the layer of silt/clay material found under some of our greens we have been using a machine called a Robin Dagger. As can be seen in the video below, a single metal probe is driven into the soil profile to a depth of 50cm. Once fully inserted a burst of high pressure air is fired horizontally in two directions at the base of the hole. The air pressure used is around 135psi. This helps open the compacted silt/clay layer creating channels for water to drain into the sandy sub layer. We then fill the holes with sand to keep the channels open for as long as possible.