Ballycastle golf club
Northern Ireland
2024
At Ballycastle Golf Club, several areas have been designated for a rough management program aimed at fostering wildflower meadow habitats. These areas are left to grow naturally throughout the year, with cutting taking place once in September. The grass is then collected and used as feed for local cattle, supporting sustainable farming practices. To enhance biodiversity, a variety of wildflower seeds have been introduced, encouraging the growth of native species.
Over the past five years, the number of wildflowers has steadily increased, with finer grasses taking a backseat to the colourful blooms. Golf members now enjoy seeing a diverse range of wildflowers as they play, including Ox-eye daisy, Yellow rattle, Red clover, Pyramid orchids, and Meadow cranesbill, among many others. This initiative not only adds to the beauty of the course but also supports local wildlife and contributes to the overall health of the ecosystem.