A golf course at the heart of one of England’s prettiest villages has seen its long-term commitment to sustainable golf course operations and management recognised through achieving GEO Certification®.
The Manor House Golf Club, in Castle Combe on the southern edge of The Cotswolds, received the international distinction overseen and managed by the GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation. The coveted industry accolade is presented to clubs across the world who have shown a long-standing dedication and priority for sustainable practices across all facets of operations.
Owned by Exclusive Collection – a B-Corp company that meets the highest standards of social and environmental impact – The Manor House Golf Club followed guidance from the GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation to implement several on-course and off-course changes.
As part of the recent work, the golf club – where you can enjoy golf on another level within 365 acres of picturesque Cotswolds’ countryside – began working with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust to look at all aspects of environmental stewardship. To gain a greater understanding of the wildlife at the acclaimed par-72 parkland layout’s natural habitats, 18 habitat parcels have been placed for assessment, with species reports being compiled to enable the creation of management plans to preserve habitats and encourage greater biodiversity.
Elsewhere on the course, a long-term major sustainable bunker project is continuing as BunkerMat technology is introduced on the majority of the 80 bunkers to improve sand retention on the steep slopes, while new, more efficient, sprinkler heads are being installed to help reduce water usage.
Energy usage is another area that The Manor House has improved with the installation of 66 monocrystalline solar panels on the clubhouse and greenkeeping maintenance facilities. In the initial four months of operating, solar energy generated 15230 kWh of power for the club. To make full use of the solar generation, an electric-controlled induction cooking suite has been installed, eradicating the need for gas in the kitchen.
In addition, work has also been undertaken in several other areas including an ongoing move to eradicate single-use plastic from the club through conversations with suppliers, a change in pro-shop stock and the gifting of reusable mugs to all members.
Golf club manager, Andy Ryan, said: “Over the past 18 months, the team have worked incredibly hard to implement so many changes. As a B-Corp company, we strive to continue to meet the highest standards of social and environmental impact – and this achievement highlights just that.
“To now be GEO Certified is a real testament to the continued efforts of the team and their continued commitment to sustainable golf course operation and management.”
GEO accredited independent verifier Tony Hanson said: “The Manor House Golf Club are undertaking a range of collaborative projects to enhance the playing experience, increase and diversify habitat, safeguard historic monuments, improve water resilience and sustainability, and offer a range of community benefits. They have also engaged with staff and a range of stakeholders.
“I look forward to seeing the course in three years to see how the calcareous grassland restoration, woodland regenerations and water resilience projects develop.”
For more information on The Manor House, please visit: The Manor House.