December 13, 2022 - Turf Matters

Finalists of GEA awards announced: Since STRI Group launched the Golf Environment Awards (GEAs) in 1995, the aim has been to recognise, reward and promote outstanding individuals and golf courses, no matter how big or small, for the time and effort they put into protecting and preserving their unique surroundings.

With the ever-increasing spotlight on environmental matters, it is fundamentally important for golf courses worldwide to assess what they can do to achieve environmental sustainability, protecting and encouraging habitats and biodiversity, while continuing to maximise the enjoyment of golf.

Finalists of GEA awards announced

Following a recent judging day, the finalists and winners for the GEAs were decided. The judging panel were given a list of anonymous applications and an accompanying list of positive environmental practices from the clubs, which were then given a numerical score across a range of categories. The judges were representatives from STRI Ltd, The R&A, Aquatrols, BIGGA, Syngenta, Tillers Turf, and Textron.

The categories, criteria and finalists are as follows:

Operation Pollinator Award

Golf clubs who consistently deliver outstanding ecological habitat creation and management for pollinators.

Huntercombe
Goring and Streatley
Corhampton
Bamburgh Castle

Ecological Project of the Year

Golf clubs who have implemented a successful ecological project, with clear objectives and targets that contribute to a better environment, and are making sound progress in fulfilling the goals of the project.

Cirencester
Clitheroe
Pannal
Andrews

Conservation Greenkeeper of the Year

Outstanding individuals who make significant contributions to the success of environmental and ecological management making a positive impact on the surrounding landscape and biodiversity.

Garmouth and Kingston
Newquay
Sleaford
Warren (Devon)

Sustainable Project of the Year

Golf clubs who have implemented a successful sustainable project with clear objectives and targets that contribute to a more sustainable environment.

Hever Castle
Pannal
Royal Mid-Surrey
Andrews

International Environmental Golf Course

Golf clubs outside of the UK that brilliantly demonstrate efficient management across nature conservation, turfgrass, waste and water.

AFRIYEA (Uganda)
Al Mouj (Oman)
Finca Cortesin (Spain)
Sentosa (Singapore)

UK Environmental Golf Course of the Year

Golf clubs in the UK that are leading the way in sustainability across nature conservation, turfgrass, waste and water.

Anne’s Old Links
Nairn Dunbar
Gog Magog
Elmwood

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Harrogate on 25 January 2023. All winners are rewarded with a grant to help fund further ecological and environmental projects at their clubs and entry to the Foundation Award in Amenity Horticulture Course.

Entry to the awards is completely free with the aim of encouraging every eco-conscious golf club to have their efforts rewarded, and also to educate the industry on simple practices that can have a hugely positive impact.

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Wyboston Lakes trusts Otterbine: Hotel, spa and golf resort Wyboston Lakes in Cambridgeshire has once again trusted Otterbine with its prized possession: its lakes.

After twenty years with the same fountain, the venue decided to not only replace it with an updated model but also acquire a second to further enhance the beauty of two of its prominent lakes.

Wyboston Lakes trusts Otterbine

Wyboston Lakes sits at the edge of the historic market town of St Neots in 380 acres of rural countryside and as well as providing leisure facilities, it has two residential business event venues and is home to all kinds of fauna and flora, which the resort goes to great lengths to protect.

Otterbine has played a big part in helping the extensive venue achieve the look it needs for its lakes, as well as providing an environmentally-friendly water aeration solution for almost two decades, says Louisa Watson, who has been at the helm of the resort’s marketing for nine years.

“Wyboston Lakes is one of the largest independent business and leisure venues in Northern Europe and the lakes are a big part of our offering – they’re even in the name!,” says Louisa.

“Otterbine has certainly helped us achieve the aesthetics we want to present to all our guests while being environmentally-friendly meaning we don’t need to use chemicals to keep the water clean.”

Otterbine, exclusively distributed by Reesink Turfcare in the UK, replaced the resort’s old unit with a 15HP Polaris giant fountain, which combines fucntionality with a striking geyser-type water pattern. With the option of adding a High Voltage or LED Fountain Glo Light system, it creates beautiful displays at night too.

Louisa says: “We have a Lakeview Suite, which comprises three event rooms overlooking a lake, and having the Polaris fountain positioned there creates an important aspect for business delegates. It has been a talking point with all our guests as it really adds to the overall ambiance.”

In addition, Wyboston Lakes purchased a 5HP Gemini fountain for the first time to install as a centre piece in the East Lake opposite the Gravel Pit Brasserie. Part of the Otterbine’s Concept 3 range, it offers incredible aeration strength and an attractive display.

With high oxygen transfer rates and pumping ability of up to 242m3/hr, customers can be guaranteed with clear and healthy water when the Concept 3 range is in charge, as Louisa confirms: “The water is crystal clear and the impressive sprays compliment the lakes’ natural beauty so we’ve got the full package now.”

Both the Gemini and the Polaris are energy-efficient, manufactured from corrosion-resistant, durable high grade stainless steel and provide a natural control for algae, aquatic weeds and odours without the use of chemicals.

This was an important consideration, as together with WildLife Trust, Wyboston Lakes maintains a nature reserve that can be enjoyed by all and has an active policy of planting trees to support this ecosystem.

Louisa concludes: “Otterbine complements our ethos and has done for many years so it was only natural to choose them again. We’re very pleased with the results.”

To find out more about the Otterbine range of aerators and fountains, contact Reesink on 01480 226800, email info@reesinkturfcare.co.uk or visit reesinkturfcare.co.uk