For the 138th Open Championship, a full-colour guide to the wildlife, landscape and heritage conservation at Turnberry has been produced for The R&A by the Scottish Golf Environment Group (SGEG), supported by Scottish Natural Heritage, the Scottish Golf Union and Lexus, to help raise awareness of important wildlife and habitats around the Ailsa Course.

 

Included in the guide is an aerial map of the links highlighting Turnberry’s two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the Turnberry Bay Dune Ridge System, which is home to two rare species of beetle, and Turnberry Point, the rocks surrounding which contain small mineral veins and bubbles known as agate, a semi-precious stone. The map also displays the areas where spectators will be most likely to encounter the Ailsa’s native flora and fauna, notably the beautiful orchids and tiny pipistrelle bats.

 

There is detailed hole-by-hole environmental information, which will describe to spectators as they make their way round the course how the character of the links and its inhabitants change. The publication also briefly introduces the other environmental management practices that make the Turnberry links a fine example of what can be achieved with traditional, sustainable greenkeeping combined with reduced waste production and increased energy efficiency - all policies promoted by The R&A on their website, www.bestcourseforgolf.org

 

The guide will be an informative and helpful aid for anyone visiting The Open, serving to enhance their enjoyment of this spectacular venue. Not only that, since many of the practices listed in the guide are equally applicable in both the home and the workplace, it is hoped that the guide will make an impact beyond the golf course and contribute positively to the well-being of our environment as a whole.

 

Click here to download a copy of the guide in pdf form or, alternatively, pick up your free copy at Turnberry before setting out to enjoy the world-class golf and the equally impressive scenery.