Founded in 1895, the dramatic heathland setting of Crowborough Beacon Golf Club has an unrivalled position on one of the highest points in Sussex, enjoying far-reaching views to the sea 22 miles away. We spoke to James Nairn (Club Secretary) who gave some insight into the course and its ecology.

Since around 2008 the course has been working with Natural England and have a Higher Level Stewardship Scheme in place. Along with other objectives this has helped to increase the number of trees on the course and many now thrive on the site. Another effect of the programme is that the regrowth of natural heather has been encouraged. Where woodland has been cleared this has enabled the discovery of high-quality trees such as pines.

In 2013 there was an Environmental Report done on the course and this covers the wildlife and flowers and fauna that grows throughout. Heather restoration remains a high priority but there are also other areas of ecological focus. One of these has been to generate a new pond on the course, which was done around a year ago. The pond has already started to attract new and existing wildlife.