The Manor House wins GEO certification

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The Manor House Golf Club’s long-term commitment to sustainable golf course operations and management has received new recognition after the popular Wiltshire venue achieved GEO certification®.

An international distinction overseen and managed by the GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation, the coveted industry accolade is presented to clubs across the world that have shown a long-standing dedication and priority for sustainable practices across all facets of operations.

The Manor House Golf Club followed guidance from the GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation to implement several on-course and off-course changes.

As part of the recent work, the golf club began working with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust to look at all aspects of environmental stewardship. To gain a greater understanding of the wildlife at the acclaimed par-72 parkland layout’s natural habitats, 18 habitat parcels have been placed for assessment, with species reports being compiled to enable the creation of management plans to preserve habitats and encourage greater biodiversity.

Elsewhere on the course, a long-term major sustainable bunker project is continuing as new bunker technology is introduced on the majority of the 80 bunkers to improve sand retention on the steep slopes, while new, more efficient, sprinkler heads are being installed to help reduce water usage.

Energy usage is another area that The Manor House has improved with the installation of 66 monocrystalline solar panels on the clubhouse and greenkeeping maintenance facilities. In the initial four months of operating, solar energy generated 15230 kWh of power for the club.

GEO accredited independent verifier Tony Hanson said: “The Manor House is undertaking a range of collaborative projects to enhance the playing experience, increase and diversify habitat, safeguard historic monuments and improve water resilience. I look forward to seeing the course in three years to see how the calcareous grassland restoration, woodland regenerations and water resilience projects develop.”