Sustainability Awards for Golf at The Grove 17 February 2022

We’re delighted to share that we have been awarded GEO Certified^® status for our commitment and efforts to achieve a sustainable golf course operation. Plus, just weeks after being certified, we were awarded Environmental Golf Course of the Year at the Golf Environment Awards 2022.

What is GEO Certification?

GEO Certification is assured by the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf – the not-for-profit organisation that is dedicated to delivering programmes that help people on the ground to evaluate, improve and credibly communicate their sustainability work. GEO Certified is also recognised by the ISEAL Alliance, a group of the world’s foremost credible certification systems including Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, Forest Stewardship Council, Marine Stewardship Council and many others.

What does this mean for The Grove?

This certification is a symbol of a great golf environment and our achievement of this at The Grove reflects the fact that we have met a credible standard in the areas of nature, resources, climate and community, and that we are committed to continual improvement.

We’re so thrilled to have attained this mark of sustainability and have to thank our Golf Course and Estate Manager, Phillip Chiverton, our Head Greenkeeper, Sam Reid, and our Head Gardener, Natasha Geldenhuys, who led the certification process.

Achieving this international recognition just goes to show the truly exceptional team effort that goes into the many practical, social and environmental initiatives that are widespread across our golf operation and beyond.

Our Sustainable Golf Highlights:

 There are a lot of factors that contributed to us being GEO Certified so we’d like to highlight the key actions that helped us secure the certification…

• Rainfall compensation systems automatically shut down irrigation if rainfall reaches a pre-determined rate which results in water savings of up to 30% annually.
• Soil moisture levels are constantly monitored and computer-controlled allowing accurate delivery by volume and location across the golf course.
• Minimised areas of managed turf reduce mowing, irrigation and use of chemicals. We actively use organic fertilisers and more bio products on our golf course.
• We have invested in making the golf course irrigation system more efficient with new nozzles directing water to essential playing surfaces only.
• We’ve collaborated with Hertfordshire & Middlesex Wildlife Trust to create areas of naturalised habitat, including River Gade chalk stream conservation, maintenance of native fescue grasses, and the introduction of wildflower areas .
• We have installed a new wetland area within the woodland close to the 5^th hole, creating a perfect environment in which newts, frogs, water vowels and dragonflies can thrive.
• We have ongoing investment in renewable energy programmes.
• We’ve been managing woodlands, removing bad trees, creating new habitats for wildlife and replanting where appropriate.
• We’ve been continually promoting the physical and mental health benefits of golf, and the wider opportunities it gives to engage with nature.
• We’ve committed to the ongoing investment in the training and education of the greenkeeping team.
• There is active procurement of locally sourced products and services.

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