Daryl Dampney, manager of Parley Golf Centre, and Laura Wilkes of Beebombs (dont worry golfers, there will be no wild flowers on the greens)
Native flowers will soon be adding beauty around the course at Parley Golf Centre with seeds being planted to encourage more wildlife.
The course was extended in 2017 and now it has bedded in staff are adding some finishing touches.
One of these is the scattering of Beebombs – pellets packed with wild flowers – that are created by hand on the Parley Court Estate where the centre is based.
The bombs contain 18 species of native wild flowers and require no gardening skills whatsoever to plant.
The Royal Horticultural Society has described the flowers chosen in the mix as ‘perfect pollinators’ and they will encourage bees.
Already a haven for wildlife the centre, opposite Bournemouth Airport, is a specialist practice destination.
The £250,000 redevelopment saw the extension of the nine-hole course, creation of a short game practice area with a huge green and even two academy holes.
The driving range has been upgraded and more innovations are coming.
Manager Daryl Dampney said: “Beebombs are based here and have been going for around 18 months.
“It made perfect sense to use their seeds to encourage the growth of native wild flowers that will encourage bees and other wildlife.
“We have a huge variety of wild and farm animals on the estate and believe we have a responsibility to encourage diversity.
“It will also please golfers who do appreciate the beauty of the surroundings when they have a round.
“The new course has settled down extremely well, is playing superbly and we are looking forward to a busy summer.”
Beebombs can be bought from the pitch-up-and-play centre where there is a café-bar open to all.
Notes to editors:
Parley Golf Centre in Dorset is set within a beautiful 800 acre farming estate next to the River Stour close to Bournemouth Airport.
It is home to the 17th century Parley Manor and to Parley Equestrian Centre. Wildlife includes roe deer, badgers, foxes and a pair of rare Grey Partridges. And you are likely to see a family of alpacas roaming around too!
Parley Golf Centre opened in 1991 as a six-hole course, but quickly expanded to nine holes and a 27-bay, floodlit driving range was added.
It has been transformed into a centre of excellence and has doubled its footprint.
The nine-hole course has been rebuilt with carefully configured tees allowing for a round of 18 with a total distance of 5,111 yards.
There is a huge short-game practice area, bunker practice facility as well as a state-of-the-art indoor coaching centre.
Also available several ‘academy’ holes from 50 – 100 yards. The café-bar remains a popular venue for golfers and non-golfers alike.
Head greenkeeper Ian Noble is assisted by Mark Gregory and John Morey.
Resident professionals include Chris Brook, Marcus Urbye, Andrew Pakes and Peter Thompson.
For more information contact Ed Baker at Deep South Media on 01202 534487 or 07788392965
