From restoring ancient woodland and boosting rare butterfly populations to installing solar power and building wildlife habitats, Corhampton Golf Club is redefining what it means to be a responsible land steward.
Its work has earned formal recognition from GEO (the Golf Environment Organisation) – the international body that evaluates and rewards golf clubs for environmental enhancement and community contribution – a clear reflection of its commitment, performance and continual improvement.
Now, the club is setting a powerful example of how modern golf courses can actively support nature, not just coexist with it.
Nestled in the South Downs National Park, Corhampton combines excellent play with a forward-thinking approach to sustainability and community engagement – showing that a golf club can be much more than a sporting venue.
“We’re showing that you can have a top-quality golf course that also acts as a conservation corridor, a learning space, and a community hub,” says Iestyn Carpenter, course manager.
“Sustainability isn’t a bolt-on – it’s part of how we manage the course, the land, and our relationships.”
Recent initiatives include:
• Preparing to restore shepherds copse, a native ancient woodland
• Creating chalk scrapes to support rare species like the small blue butterfly
• Expanding wildflower meadows and long-grass habitats.
Thanks to partnerships with local ecologists and organisations like the Bishop’s Waltham Men’s Shed – which builds wildlife boxes from recycled materials – Corhampton now supports over 50 bird species, alongside growing bat, bee, and butterfly populations.
Sustainability practices on-site also include electric vehicles, robotic mowers, rainwater harvesting and solar energy.
A true community partner beyond biodiversity, the club plays an active role in the local community:
• Supporting one of the region’s strongest junior golf programmes
• Maintaining public access to Wayfarer’s Walk with educational signage
• Hosting ecology walks, school visits and volunteering days.
“Being in the South Downs is a privilege, and we treat it as an important responsibility,” adds Rob Bailey, course management chair. “Every step we take is about long-term value – for wildlife, for golfers, and for the generations to come.”
Whether you’re a golfer, a nature lover, or a local resident, Corhampton Golf Club invites you to explore how a modern sports venue can be part of the environmental solution – and a trusted partner in the life of its community.
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