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Golf Course Wetland Creation - North Inch Golf Course |
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Tuesday, 16 September 2003 |
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This project involved the development of an area of scrub land between two fairways on the North Inch Golf Course in Perth in order to create a variety of aquatic habitats in an otherwise 'dead' area.
Overview
PROJECT SUMMARY
This is a partnership project between Perth & Kinross Council and North Inch Golf Course.
The area to be developed was a scrub area, triangular in shape, between two of the fairways on the North Inch Golf Course in Perth. The design aim for the project was to create a variety of aquatic habitats in an otherwise 'dead' area. Four main aquatic habitats were developed as follows:
Ditch scallops and backwater
Created by digging out the ditch banks to varying degrees. This gives a variety of flow rates.
Marsh (Reed Bed)
Provides a different habitat from the other areas and is suitable for marsh plants.
Small shallow pools
Provides an area of water that heats up rapidly in the spring and is very warm and productive during the summer.
Larger pools
Two main pools developed. A variety of habitat created using an island, various depths and a wide variety of planting. The larger pool overflows via a spillway into the main ditch.
KEY PARTNERS
Take a Pride in Perthshire
Perth in Bloom
Perth and Kinross Council Environment Services
Fresh Futures
Perth and Kinross Quality of Life Trust
SEPA's Habitat Enhancement Initiative
Scottish Golf Environment Group
Volunteers
FUNDERS
Voluntary Contributions
Volunteer labour was provided by the Scottish Wildlife Trust Volunteer Group and involved tidying up the excavation spoil, grass reseeding of impacted areas, planting of wildflower seed across the site and installing safety signs. A total of 26.5 volunteer days was input to the project at an estimated value of £7,300.
Perth in Bloom
Perth in Bloom provided a member of its Committee to act as Project Administrator and the services of its Treasurer to oversee and control contract financial matters. In addition Perth in Bloom Committee were instrumental in approving final designs and selecting the preferred contractor.
Perth and Kinross Council £1,210
Perth and Kinross Council provided approval to carry out the project on its land, facilitated the consultation process. In addition Perth and Kinross Council provided secretarial services and printed the end of Project Report on behalf of Perth in Bloom.
Fresh Futures £4,120.
Perth and Kinross Quality of Life Trust £4,953.
Scottish Golf Environment Group £2,000
Scottish Environment Protection Agency Habitat Enhancement Initiative £500
The SITA Environmental Trust Take a Pride in Perthshire People in Partnership Project provided the services of its Project Manager at a total cost of £465.20 to them being £460 in fees for 23 hours input and £5.20 expenses. Work undertaken by the Project Manager including advising on the Bill of Quantities structure and content, Tender Evaluation procedures, funding applications, site monitoring visits, project photo recording and input to the end of Project Report.
THEMATIC CRITERIA
Fife/ Perthshire/ Tayside; Open Spaces; Education; Conservation
Plan
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
To transform an area of 'scrubland' into diverse wetland habitats, which are supported and used by the local community for (in)formal recreation and education purposes.
To design as part of a sustainable development, a drainage system incorporating conservation value, community involvement and primary water treatment.
To aid in the long-term implementation of the Golf Course Environmental Management Plan and through promotion by the Scottish Golf Environment Group encourage, enthuse and bring confidence to other clubs to develop similar projects.
OUTPUTS
Wildlife benefits are expected to accrue over the coming months and years as the site 'matures'. However, already a number of aquatic species such as the Blue-tailed damselfly and Great Diving Beetle have been spotted, along with Sticklebacks.
Progress
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
To transform an area of 'scrubland' into diverse wetland habitats, which are supported and used by the local community for (in)formal recreation and education purposes.
To design as part of a sustainable development, a drainage system incorporating conservation value, community involvement and primary water treatment.
To aid in the long-term implementation of the Golf Course Environmental Management Plan and through promotion by the Scottish Golf Environment Group encourage, enthuse and bring confidence to other clubs to develop similar projects.
OUTPUTS
Wildlife benefits are expected to accrue over the coming months and years as the site 'matures'. However, already a number of aquatic species such as the Blue-tailed damselfly and Great Diving Beetle have been spotted, along with Sticklebacks.
Review
ACHIEVEMENTS
Successful completion of the Perth and Bloom project has resulted in
The formation of a wetland mosaic comprising a reed bed, backwater, scallops, stream meanders, top pool, shallow pools and large bottom pool with island
A wetland area that adds an additional golfing challenge as well as providing an educational and recreational resource
A system that will provide primary water treatment and retention
The planting and seeding of a range of trees, wetland plants, grasses and wildflowers
The use of volunteer labour to install signage and undertake soft landscaping works
A site that can further develop and provide a range of recreational and educational benefits.
The partnership approach has also engendered a sense of ownership and belonging to the project. These partnerships have strengthened during the process and are in position to deliver future innovative environmental improvement projects that would otherwise be unable to be implemented.
PROCESS
Throughout the planning, construction and finishing phases the objectives of the project have never altered ensuring the end product remains true to the original vision. The project also strongly supports the Perth and Kinross Council Environment Policy and Action Plan 2001 - 2004, which aims to ensure development respects landscape character and maintains and enhances the natural heritage and landscape of Perth and Kinross. The Tayside Bio-diversity Partnership Golf Course Habitat Action Plan highlights golf courses as valuable 'green lungs' and the North Inch Golf Course Project can now be used as a good practice case study.
Contractor performance met the expectations established by the tender and tender evaluation process. The project was delivered on time and on budget. On-going reporting and quality checks by both the Project Administrator and Project Manager ensured a high quality, value for money end product.
Feedback from all partners involved with the project has been positive in terms of the opportunities the wetland provides for golfers, wildlife and the local community
LESSONS
Comments from the North Inch User Group, detailed in the Perthshire Advertiser, were responded to and allayed their fears. Prior consultation with the forum minimised potential problems and aided in the resolution of issues raised.
"Project was designed to keep ongoing maintenance to a minimum. Perth & Kinross Council and North Inch Golf Club will meet all future development and management costs through formal and informal biodiversity days".
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