Sustainability

Lindrick Golf Club BioBlitz Case Study 2025

The R&A

12 Dec 25

6 mins

Attendees joined walks led by nature groups such as the RSPB, SK58Birders and Sorby Natural History Society during The R&A’s Golf BioBlitz at Lindrick Golf Club.

The R&A and Oleo Ecology were keen to build on the success of the inaugural BioBlitz event at Carnoustie Golf Links in 2024. Lindrick Golf Club in South Yorkshire was chosen as the 2025 host because of its diverse range of calcareous grassland, woodland and scrub habitats.

“We are thrilled that Lindrick Golf Club was interested in holding the second BioBlitz as these events are a fun and proven approach to large-scale natural data gathering and community engagement.” Rachael Petrie, Philanthropy Manager, The R&A.

What is a Golf BioBlitz?

A BioBlitz is a great way to engage all the different communities surrounding a golf club. It gives players and non-players the opportunity to see what actually lives on courses. On 5-6 July , attendees joined walks led by nature groups such as the RSPB, SK58Birders and Sorby Natural History Society to observe bats, birds, butterflies, insects, and a variety of plants and fungi across Lindrick’s distinctive habitats. The event, at one of the regional qualifying venues for The 153rd Open and a former Ryder Cup host course, was made possible by a generous donation to The R&A Foundation in memory of a much-loved colleague, Helen Goodman. Helen dedicated nearly 40 years to The R&A from 1979, working in the Championships department throughout, until her death in 2018. Her passion for nature and sustainability inspired the Golf BioBlitz to showcase the positive impact of golf on the environment.

Attendees joined walks led by nature groups such as the RSPB, SK58Birders and Sorby Natural History Society during the BioBlitz at Lindrick Golf Club.

Shifting perceptions of the game we love

Opening up the course to people who wouldn’t normally have access to it highlighted the enduring link between golf and nature, as well as the great work being done to help species thrive. “As part of The R&A’s commitment to biodiversity in golf, we want to change the perception of golf’s role in protecting and conserving wildlife, showing that golf courses can have a positive impact on the environment, supporting an abundance of flora and fauna.” John Kemp, Assistant Director – Sustainable Golf Development, The R&A. It often surprises people who aren’t involved in the sport just how much land golf courses have away from the playing surfaces. And it’s in these areas where amazing finds can be made. “It was a delight to discover that Lindrick hosts such high-quality areas of grassland. Marbled White butterflies on Greater Knapweed and carpets of purple Betony were a real showcase for how golf course management can nurture species-rich, threatened habitat in an otherwise cultivated and urbanised landscape.” Mark Schofield, Botanist. A total of 224 species of wildlife, plants and fungi were recorded over the two days, including three bat species, a bank vole, a weasel and several Species of Principal Importance in England. Here’s a look at some other highlights from Lindrick Golf Club:

24 bird species (9 of which are listed as Birds of Conservation Concern)
Harebell (Near threatened)
21 moth species
Glow-worm
14 butterfly species, including Dark Green Fritillary (Near threatened

You can see the complete list of recorded species in the Lindrick Golf Club BioBlitz Review 2025.

Building natural momentum

The inaugural BioBlitz at Carnoustie Golf Links in 2024 inspired positive progress in the UK and Europe. “We are delighted that Carnoustie ran their second BioBlitz in June 2025 and are starting to build a long-term picture of the biodiversity on the links. By modelling and systematising such events, clubs across the UK could help us build the largest dataset ever compiled on the vital biodiversity of golf courses.” John Kemp, Assistant Director – Sustainable Golf Development, The R&A. In Denmark, the first event has sparked a BioBlitz movement, with ten courses having held one since, and the Danish Golf Union setting a target of 50 clubs (out of 190 in the country) over the next three years. Having access to accurate year-on-year biodiversity data provides a platform for more effective monitoring and targeted conservation efforts. The in-person engagement and enthusiasm generated by each BioBlitz event can have a ripple effect through future collaborations, education, and word-of-mouth. “We really want these events to highlight that there’s an important space for nature within golf.” Sophie Olejnik, Oleo Ecology.

Will you join us on the journey?

A BioBlitz not only allows local communities to see a range of fantastic habitats and wildlife, but they can also surprise and delight employees. “Seeing different species of bats and listening to their signals and cries was a real highlight for me, but the glow-worm experience was out of this world.” Jon Duck, Club Manager, Lindrick Golf Club. Every BioBlitz, regardless of its size, can create memories that people cherish forever. That’s the power of nature on golf courses and what The R&A is committed to highlighting and protecting. We encourage more clubs to organise their own BioBlitz events and share their stories

Latest Articles

All News