Netherlands
2025
To protect biodiversity and restore native vegetation, the Kennemer Golf & Country Club is implementing a long-term, sustainable approach to control the invasive Prunus. This species spreads rapidly and suppresses native plants, making structural intervention necessary.
An area of more than 11,000 m² is being carefully stripped, removing the top 10 cm of soil. This method specifically targets the dense, shallow root system that often enables the species to return after lighter management efforts. The removed soil is reused on-site to form two new sand dunes, increasing habitat diversity and supporting species adapted to dry, nutrient-poor conditions. Previous years involved various control methods, but regrowth persisted.
Building on these experiences, the more thorough removal of the upper soil layer was chosen to achieve lasting results. This approach is expected to significantly reduce Prunus, enhance ecological quality, and strengthen long-term landscape resilience, demonstrating how golf courses can combine ecological insight with sustainable land management.
