Golf courses can be invaluable habit for many species of birds, according to a new book published jointly by the R&A and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

Birds and Golf Courses: a guide to habitat management is available from the R&A’s Web site.

The book emphasises that courses could indeed be an important factor in saving some endangered species. It provides greenkeepers, golf course managers, committee members and others interested in ecologically friendly management of golf courses with guidance on what they can do to support and enhance bird populations on their land, through effective management of rough and out of play areas. The R&A hopes the book will also be invaluable to those planning new golf courses.

”Our golf courses, if managed sympathetically, can make a significant positive difference to the future fortunes of vulnerable species of birds,” said RSPB chief executive Graham Wynne.

The book is written by Dr Keith Duff, formerly chief scientist with English Nature, and Nigel Symes of the RSPB and costs £7.99.