UFFORD Park Golf Club has won the English Golf Environment Award in recognition of its continued commitment to ecological good practice.

UFFORD Park Golf Club has won the English Golf Environment Award in recognition of its continued commitment to ecological good practice.

The award, supported by the English Golf Union, English Nature and the Sports Turf Research Institute, was given to the club for its continuous progress over the past 18 months following a formal assessment through the National Environmental Certification Scheme which provides a register of golf clubs that have shown commitment to ecological good practice.

When first assessed, ecologist Lee Penrose said that Ufford Park already provided “significant wildlife interest” although potential for further enhancement was evident.

The report highlighted a number of management measures and target points that, if implemented, would deliver significant ecological benefit.

Following a further inspection 18 months on, Mr Penrose said: “Significant progress has been made at Ufford Park Golf Club… not only relating to the ecological issues discussed… but also the general development of the golf course and practice ground and associated hotel.”

He added: “Purely from an ecological perspective, tremendous progress has been made, particularly pertaining to the improvement in rough grasslands, water bodies, trees etc. and a significant amount of wildlife was noted during my most recent visit.”

Ufford Park chairman Colin Aldous was presented with the award by David Houston, president of the Suffolk Golf Union.

Mr Houston said: “At Ufford Park we are working with over 100 acres of parkland with many birds, plants and reptiles and it is essential that the environment is protected through the way the golf course is managed. Here, the team recognise the trust placed in them to cultivate and preserve nature and this is a well deserved award.”