Dumbarnie Golf Links

Notable Observations

• Corn Bunting Recovery Partnership The club is working with the University of St Andrews to support ground nesting for the endangered Corn Bunting, as part of wider efforts to reintroduce the species locally. This is a strong example of research-led conservation on an active links site.
• BioBlitz for Wildlife Monitoring In 2025, the team carried out a course-wide BioBlitz focused on identifying and monitoring bird species and other wildlife. This provides a practical baseline for long-term ecological tracking. GEO
• BioBlitz for Wildlife Monitoring In 2025, the team carried out a course-wide BioBlitz focused on identifying and monitoring bird species and other wildlife. This provides a practical baseline for long-term ecological tracking. GEO
• Grazing with the “Flying Flock” Forty-eight sheep, known as the Flying Flock, graze unmanaged areas adjacent to the course through collaboration with Scottish Natural Heritage, with positive results noted. This is a distinctive, low-input approach to habitat management.
• Water Use Managed Through Toro and POGO Data The club uses a Toro irrigation system with Lynx mapping of every irrigation head, combined with weather station reports and the POGO data system to guide water decisions. This enables highly targeted irrigation control.
• Below-Ground Water Recycling Wash-Off System A ClearWater below-ground wash-off system recycles contaminated wash water using harmless microorganisms, reducing both pollution risk and water wastage. This is a notable infrastructure investment in pollution prevention.
• Solar-Powered On-Course Toilet Facility A newly created on-course toilet at the 14th green is powered solely by electricity generated from eight ground-based solar panels. It’s a clear, visible example of renewable energy applied directly on-site. GEO
• Caddie School for Soldiers Leadership The General Manager serves as President of the Caddie School for Soldiers programme, hosting veterans from the UK, US and Canada in St Andrews for training and career development. This is a distinctive social impact initiative linked to golf employment pathways.

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“Dumbarnie Golf Links is a professionally managed golf club that takes its environmental stewardship seriously. In its relatively short history, the team has developed a strong understanding of the site’s ecological value and its wider environmental significance as part of a designated SSSI area. Following detailed discussions with the management team and a site tour with the Environmental Manager, I was particularly impressed by the club’s collaborative approach with ecological partners. Notable initiatives include enhancements to wetland biodiversity, efforts to reintroduce Corn Bunting to the area, and the identification and protection of sand dune habitats to support stable nesting and as a food source for Sand Martins. As part of the original planning approval process, the club has a Landscape and Environmental Management Plan (LEMP) and a Habitat Management Plan (HMP), which provide a clear framework for guiding environmental priorities in the coming years. It is important that the commitments and partnerships set out within the LEMP and HMP are formally embedded and that progress is monitored and reported to stakeholders. I look forward to seeing the outcomes of these actions and the positive contribution they will make to the site’s biodiversity and long-term ecological value.”

Alan Johnston (GEO accredited independent verifier)