ANGUS COASTAL FESTIVAL

The first ever Angus Coastal Festival takes place between the 7th and 17th September. Everyone is welcome to join the numerous events that have been organised by the Tayside Biodiversity Partnership. A full programme of events, many of which are free, can be found on their website and facebook page.
 Montrose Links are proud to be involved in the Coastal Festival. I will deliver a presentation on Tuesday 11th September at 7.30pm in the Caledonia Clubhouse. We will showcase examples of the ecology work that has been carried out on the golf courses together with how we have engaged with the community to promote the outdoors and nature. This will be followed by a slideshow of photos highlighting the diverse and varied flora and fauna that can be found on our 2 courses.

Les Rae,

Deputy Head Greenkeeper,

Montrose Golf Links.

 

STRI ECOLOGY VISIT

Today the Sports Turf Research Institutes's ecologist Bob Taylor visited us. Bob discussed a number of topics relating to the management of our courses. Although here at Montrose we are continually trying to improve our environmental impact it's great to get further advice from an expert in his field.
 Out on the courses Bob looked at what we have been doing over the last year including gorse and rough grassland management; creation of open sand areas; erosion issues; bird boxes and wild flower areas.

Bob at our wetland area to the right of the 14th green on the 1562 course.

We also discussed  waste management, community engagement and working with the local schools to promote ecology and the environment. Plans and improvements for the coming years were also noted.

Bob was very positive with regards to what we have achieved so far. and it was great to spend time with someone who has a passion for protecting and enhancing the environment. 

  

Les Rae,

First Assistant,

Montrose Links Limited.

WALK AND TALK

A number of greenkeepers from the BIGGA Scottish Central section visited Montrose Links today. This was a follow on from a photo presentation that I carried out for the section in Auchterarder earlier in the year.

Discussing the history and ecology information boards.

We have witnessed a month of almost constant dry sunny days and today was no different although there was a strong wind blowing in from the sea. During the walk a number of topics were discussed including course management, erosion issues and ecology.

Heading up the 1st fairway towards the green on the 1562 course.

On the 2nd tee looking at the coastal erosion.

After the walk we had a brief tour of the Greenkeeping maintenance sheds and our fleet of machinery together with the mechanics workshop.

 It's good to hear other greenkeepers' thoughts, share ideas and find out how they are managing their courses. I would like to thank the Central section for asking me to undertake the walk and talk, A really enjoyable and worthwhile afternoon.

Les Rae,

First Assistant,

Montrose Links Limited.

A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE - GUILLEMOTS

The recent stormy weather has taken its toll on many sea birds off our coast. The rough sea has made it hard for the birds to find food and the high winds have resulted in many becoming exhausted. Over the last couple of weeks there have been numerous reports of guillemots stranded on both Montrose beach and St Cyrus nature reserve.

 This morning two of the greenstaff came across this one in a bunker on the 18th Medal hole. Although it looked healthy and good condition it was obviously in some distress. We called the SSPCA, who later came out and collected the bird. They said that they were caring for a number of guillemots and our one would be assessed and once back to full fitness would be released back into the wild at the coast.
If anyone spots one in difficulty out on the courses it would be appreciated if they could contact a member of staff or call the SSPCA directly.

Les Rae,

First Assistant,

Montrose Links Limited.