We are privileged to play golf in a stunning environment. Our course is surrounded by native Scots pines and home to an impressive range of flora and fauna. Roe deer are commonly seen early in the day, red squirrels abound in the adjacent forest, pine martens are regular but shy visitors, curlews nest between the 7th and 8th holes, and oystercatchers at the 8th.
Listed below are some of the species which inhabit our course.
MAMMALS - water vole (rare), pine marten, red squirrel, hedgehog (uncommon nowadays) roe deer, badger, fox, rabbit, wood mouse, vole (field and bank), shrew (common and pygmy), pipistrelle bat, daubentons bat (all fairly common).
BIRDS - too many to list but of interest are the yellowhammers and nesting curlews.
BEES - we have recorded white-tailed bumblebees and buff tailed bumblebees plus the more common variety of mining bees.
BUTTERFLIES - we have recorded Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Small Pearl-bordered fritillary, and Scotch Argus (our most numerous one).
FLOWERS - we have an impressive number of different orchids we have two special plants - field scabious (as opposed to devil's bit scabious) and an alpine bistort, which is not particularly rare in alpine regions but very unusual at our elevation. We believe that we might have twinflower (very rare).
As well as appreciating our surroundings, we are working to improve our biodiversity. We have installed a pine marten box to encourage this endangered species and our juniors have helped build a bug hotel. As well as enjoying golf coaching, the juniors also have the opportunity to do an annual course walk with a knowledgeable volunteer to learn about our environment.