Heather Re-Generation Project

To improve aesthetics around the course, whilst balancing between ecology and reducing maintenance costs, it has been a plan for some time to develop some areas that were identified for Heather establishment restoration. Another reason for attempting this project was the other most noticeable component of heathland areas, gorse, which is already well established at LPGC and spreading in areas already left unattended. The original plan started many years ago by allowing areas to grow wild and removing growth, effectively removing the possibility of nutrients from cuttings returning to the soil. As Heather doesn't colonise well in nutrient rich environments, this practice was followed for many years.

Heather Brashing (topped Heather) was purchased from Hankley Common Golf Club in Surrey. These Brashing contain seed heads which will hopefully regenerate naturally. This phase which is known as the pioneer phase can take 5-6 years, from seedling development and establishment until the plant has developed into a fully formed bush.

The areas identified were firstly stripped of turf exposing bare soil.

The areas were then dug over loosening the surface creating an almost perfect seed bed. 

The Brashing which contain millions of Heather seeds were then added covering the soil, which was then turned over again mixing the Brashing and soil together.

After the mixing the areas were flattened and compacted.

Unfortunately it is now a case of being patient and waiting to see signs of germination and the growth of healthy Heather plants. There is no guarantee that this will be successful, however without trying we will never know. 

Until further notice these areas will be compulsory GUR.

New Practice Nets Installation and Construction

The immediate impact of course presentation upon arrival to Langley Park was the main driver for the improvements to the practice nets. An increase in size to add a third bay was also a much needed requirement.

The first step was to remove the existing framework and remove the outdated and unattractive base. 

After the framework was dismantled, the base which was constructed of rubber mats laying over concrete slabs on sharp sand had to be removed. A partial area which was also covered using another type of matting was also discarded.

A concrete area that's was laid to one side also had to be removed so the new base would be of a consistent construction.

After the area was cleared of all materials, including the sharp sand, a new edge constructed of railway sleepers was added to the existing edge to complete and increase the base size.

Following the installing of a new edge, the outside edges where filled and levelled with rootzone to give support for the filling of the base with type 1 aggregate and a crushed stone topping finish.

While the rootzone was being laid, the footing legs for the additional third bay were positioned and cemented in place.

To allow for a secure fixing of the new matting. A border inside the sleeper surround was attached 20mm beneath the sleeper top.

Having now completed the edge and additional footings, the in-filling with type 1 and crushed stone commenced.

Now the construction of a new base was complete, a new matting surface supplied by Huxley Golf was laid.

After the matting was laid the framework could again be constructed over the new base.

The old structure was 3.5m high. The new structure was reduced in height to 3m and the other dimensions remained the same as the original.

Once the framework was erected and secured in place, a new netting surround was attached.

PVC coated foam padding was attached to the lower poles and uprights for additional safety.

Once the netting and padding was in place the fitting of baffle nets fixed to tensioning wires completed the project.

New mats were also laid for use in the new nets

And finally the New Practice Nets were completed and ready for use.

Special thanks and appreciation goes to Will & Grant from Huxley Golf and Club Members Paul & Perry Hanifan for their help, guidance, and assistance before and during the construction of the New Practice Nets.