Pure nectar for golfers

Work to create a network of nectar- rich habitats along the Ayrshire coast has taken a step forward thanks to funding from golf rulers, the R& A.

The support from the R& A has enabled the Irvine to Girvan Nectar Network, a partnership project managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, to appoint ecologist and keen golfer Tracy White to help local golf courses to become better places for pollinators such as bees, hoverflies and butterflies by offering advice and support with their pollinator plans.

Tracy said: “One of the reasons I enjoy playing golf is the wildlife that you can see during a round so it’s great that so many courses are keen to give nature a helping hand. I’m really looking forward to working with the course managers to find out what they have got planned and help them to create new habitats for pollinators.

“There are lots of different ways that golf courses can help. These include making sure that roughs are cut occasionally and sowing wildflowers to ensure there is a mix of plants that suit different kinds of insects.”

“We’re losing wildflower meadows and other nectar- rich habitats at an alarming rate but fortunately many organisations and people across Ayrshire are keen to help. The Nectar Network is about sharing the expertise, resources and volunteers that can make all the difference.’’