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Les Gets Golf Course’s Commitment to Biodiversity
Nestled in an exceptional natural setting, our golf course is actively committed to preserving and enhancing local biodiversity. Discover how we care for the wildlife and flora that thrive on our grounds.
Ecological Management of Spaces
Sustainable Maintenance
We practice sustainable golf course maintenance to minimize environmental impact. We avoid using pesticides, prioritize late mowing in sensitive areas, and maintain untouched zones. These practices allow flora to flourish, providing a habitat for various insects, birds, and small mammals.
We also have a management plan for our wetlands, which are sensitive areas vital for the biodiversity of our site.
Ecological Enhancements
Creation of Hibernacula
To support amphibian populations, such as newts, we’ve created hibernacula—natural shelters made of stones and wood. These structures provide safe havens near water bodies, especially during winter.
Amphibian Protection Barriers
To protect young amphibians during their migration, we’ve installed specific barriers in sensitive areas near greens. These simple yet effective measures reduce the risk of mower-related injuries in low-cut areas.
Preservation of Dead Wood
Dead wood plays a crucial role in our golf course’s ecosystem. Leaving it in place provides a habitat for numerous species, particularly insects and fungi, which are essential to environmental health.
Protection of Local Wildlife
Amphibians: Newts and Frogs
Les Gets Golf Course is a crucial habitat for alpine newts, hosting an exceptional population, along with other amphibians such as the common frog, green frog, and common toad. By preserving ponds, ditches, and installing protective barriers, these species can safely reproduce and move around the site.
Birds: 42 Species Recorded on the Course
Various species from different habitats—forests, mountains, buildings, aquatic areas, and general environments—can be found here.
Among aquatic species, our water bodies host the common mallard and, more notably, the tufted duck, a diving species that finds our course ideal for nesting.
Other notable species include the song thrush, crested tit, great spotted woodpecker, and citril finch.
Butterflies
Naturalists have observed 19 butterfly species on our course, including remarkable specimens like the Titania’s fritillary (Boloria titania) and the large blue (Phengaris arion), both classified as near-threatened on the European Red List.
Noteworthy rare species include the mourning cloak (Nymphalis antiopa), a migratory butterfly considered near-threatened in Rhône-Alpes.
Odonates (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
Fifteen dragonfly species have been identified on our course.
Thanks to our gardeners’ efforts in preserving semi-aquatic vegetation around certain water bodies, we host these important and threatened species, including the juncous hawker (Aeshna juncea), doubtful leucorrhinia (Leucorrhinia dubia), and rarer species like the hasty agrion (Coenagrion hastulatum) and black darter (Sympetrum danae).
Preservation of Various Habitats
Our golf course encompasses a significant diversity of habitats, each playing a vital role in preserving biodiversity.
- Aquatic environments
- Peat bogs and marshes
- Meadows, fringes, and tall herb communities
- Heathlands and thickets
- Woodlands and forests
Our Beautiful Orchids
Les Gets Golf Course is home to various orchid species that thrive in our dry subalpine meadows. We’ve adopted specific management practices, such as late mowing, to preserve these delicate plants and ensure they reproduce under optimal conditions.
Coherent Site Management
Reduced Intensive Management
Meadow edges far from playing areas are lightly managed, allowing diverse flora and fauna to thrive. This approach encourages natural habitat regeneration.
Biodiversity Monitoring
Monitoring Key Species
As part of the “Golf for Biodiversity” certification program, we’ve conducted an inventory contributing to the French Golf Federation and the National Museum of Natural History’s national study.
We closely monitor certain species to adapt our actions based on their health and will conduct further surveys to continue our efforts.
Sustainable Resource Management
Reducing Water Consumption
Water is a precious resource, and we commit to using it responsibly. With an optimized irrigation system, we limit water consumption while maintaining course quality.
Waste Management
We’ve implemented recycling and sorting programs to minimize our environmental impact.
Awareness and Collaboration
Educating Staff and Players
We believe it’s essential to involve all golf course users in our environmental approach. That’s why we regularly inform our staff and players about the site’s ecological richness and the best practices for preserving it.
Collaboration with Experts
We partner with ecological experts to continue improving our practices and develop new initiatives. This collaboration keeps us at the forefront of sustainable management techniques, ensuring a healthy environment for biodiversity.
Goal: Silver Certification
Our ambition is to achieve the Silver certification, an official recognition of our commitment to a sustainable and environmentally-friendly golf course. To reach this goal, we’ve implemented an ambitious action plan, including pond operations, amphibian measures, expanding biodiversity zones, and continuously improving our ecological practices.
Join Our Photo Contest!
Capture the unique biodiversity moments that make Les Gets Golf Course so special. Whether you’re an amateur or professional, this contest is an opportunity to showcase your talent while highlighting the natural beauty of our course.
Since last year, we’ve been fully committed to biodiversity preservation. To raise awareness of these actions, we’re launching a photo contest on this theme.
Whether it’s a newt on your putting line, a family of ducks crossing in front of your cart, or a dragonfly resting on your ball, don’t miss these magical moments! Be ready to snap your cameras and capture these unique scenes.
Send your best shots to: biodiversite@lesgets.golf.
The best photos will be rewarded and featured to celebrate the nature that surrounds us. Good luck and happy snapping!