Leading clubs recognized for efforts to increase biodiversity
Sustainability
Operation Pollinator Award Nominees

The finalists of the prestigious Syngenta Operation Pollinator Award have been announced.

The award is to be presented at the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) later this month (25 January) in Harrogate, UK as part of the Golf Environment Awards (GEA), the clubs recognized in the shortlist are:

  • Huntercombe Golf Club, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
  • Goring and Streatley Golf Club, Streatley, Berkshire
  • Corhampton Golf Club, Winchester, Hampshire
  • Bamburgh Castle Golf Club, Bamburgh, Northumberland

Operation Pollinator helps golf clubs to establish and manage areas of pollen and nectar-rich wildflower habitats, essential food and nesting resources for pollinators, including native bees, butterflies and other insects.

Announcing the finalists, STRI ecologist and lead for the GEA, Megan Stone, said; "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."

"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," she added. 

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Harrogate on 25 January. 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.

STRI has announced other Awards as part of the GEA presentation, including:

  • Ecological Project of the Year
  • Conservation Greenkeeper of the Year
  • Sustainable Project of the Year
  • International Environmental Golf Course
  • UK Environmental Golf Course of the Year

Best of luck to all the nominees for the event and congratulations for their standout efforts to encourage greater biodiversity at their respective clubs.

Get involved: Find out more about Operation Pollinator.