We are fortunate in that our golf course is located in the picturesque Vale of Llangollen which affords a wonderful backdrop to every shot played. The course is bound to the north by the River Dee which further enhances the view from the holes which run alongside it.
The Vale and the River are both nationally and internationally recognised and protected in law, being integral features of a stunning landscape and being home to a number of rare species. The Dee has ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’ (S.S.S.I.) status for its Otter, Salmon and Wetland habitats under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and ‘Special Area of Conservation’ (S.A.C.) status under the E.U. Habitats Directive for its aquatic plant communities, Sea, River and Brook Lamprey, Atlantic Salmon, and Otter. In addition, the Vale and River are located in the centre of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ (A.O.N.B.) and protected under the Countryside Act of 1949.
To those ends, we are collaborating with Natural Resources Wales (N.R.W.), and the North Wales Wildlife Trust (N.W.W.T.) to deliver mutually beneficial outcomes. For example, we have benefited from N.R.W.’s ‘LIFE Dee Valley Project’ funding as their contractors planted 100 Alder and 900 Willow saplings on the banks of the River Dee in order to enhance bank stability and protection of the golf course from river erosion. The planting also enhances the habitat of the wildlife corridor along the River. We are currently benefiting from work by the contractors of the N.W.W.T. as they remove invasive non-native plant species from within the section of the river channel of the Dee which borders our course. They have offered to fund comprehensive training, equipment and P.P.E. for our member volunteers to enable them to assist in carrying out that task in the future.
To enhances the biodiversity of the course, a number of members have planted native tree species which are commonly found in the surrounding natural landscape. Our Course Manager has commenced establishing wildflower areas on and around the course to support our resident bee population and further enhance biodiversity and attractiveness of the environment.
As we face the challenges of climate change, we endeavour to preserve and enhance the natural aspects of our golf course by pro-actively planning and acting in a sustainable and responsible manner, caring for the land, water, wildlife, and natural resources on which the golf course is situated.