Golf clubs 'could do much more to help the environment'
Bigbury say the UK's 2,000 golf clubs could do more for the environment
Last updated 21st Mar 2023
A Devon golf club has been named England’s most environmentally friendly - and wants others to follow suit.
Bigbury has reduced its water, waste, chemical and energy use, continues to focus on creating space for wildlife and is looking to use more wind and solar power in the future.
The club were named the 'Sustainability Project of the Year 2023' at the England Golf Awards
You can see a full list of the environmental changes the golf club has made here
Jason Pheasant, General Manager, told us about the changes
Mr Pheasant wants more funding to be made available to help 'destinations' like golf clubs to be eco-friendly - saying he's been rejected from a number of funding sources, with one saying they had no 'criteria to judge' a golf club.
A spokesperson for England Golf said: "It became evident to the club’s board how important the course and the incredible surroundings were to the mental health and general wellbeing of their members and visitors.
"Having started their positive environmental campaign, the club has now reduced its chemical consumption by 55% and aims to be self-sufficient on energy by 2025.
"In addition to this, they have now planted more than 900 new trees around the course and have recently put a ban on plastic tees at the club.
"The club also works with Devon Wildlife Trust in handing back unused areas of the course to fulfil their bio-diversity policy, whilst identifying further areas for improvement."
Campaign group Bigbury Net Zero said it was 'proud of its association' with the golf club and called it title 'no mean achievement' as 'there are an estimated 2,000 golf clubs in the UK of which there are about 50 clubs in Devon'.
For more about England Golf's sustainability drive click here
For more about the Sustainability Project of the Year award click here
For more about the latest IPCC climate change warning and the need for change click here