Le Golf des Gets has obtained the Silver Label "Golf for Biodiversity"

Le Golf des Gets has reached a new milestone in its commitment to the environment by obtaining the Label "Golf for Biodiversity" – Silver level, a distinction awarded by the French Golf Federation and the National Museum of Natural History.
Through 6 questions, Benoît Buttay, director of the Golf des Gets, reviews the path traveled, the efforts made to preserve local biodiversity, and the way in which players, visitors and teams participate in this beautiful dynamic.

After a first year of implementation in the field, an audit was carried out. It resulted in the awarding of the Silver Label by a committee composed of experts from the world of golf, sport, biodiversity and the environment.

- What concrete actions have been implemented?

Several concrete actions have already been implemented, such as for example:
- Creation of Hibernaculums
To support amphibian populations, such as newts, we have created hibernacula, natural shelters made of stone and wood. These structures provide a safe haven around water bodies, especially during winter periods.
- Implementation of protective barriers for amphibians
In order to protect young amphibians during their migration, we have installed specific barriers in sensitive areas of the course, at the exit of bodies of water near the greens. These simple but effective measures reduce the risk of injury caused by mowers on the shearest areas.
- Conservation of dead wood
Deadwood plays a crucial role in the golf ecosystem. By leaving it in place as a windrow, we provide habitat for many species, including insects and fungi, essential to environmental health.
- Reasoned Maintenance
We practice a reasoned maintenance of the golf course, aiming to minimize the environmental impact. We do not use phytosanitary products, we prefer late mowing in certain sensitive areas and we preserve uncut areas. These practices allow the flora to fully develop, offering refuge to a variety of insects, birds and small mammals.
We also follow a management plan for our many wetlands within our perimeter.

- What iconic species are found on the golf course?

We already knew many emblematic species of our journey but the OXALIS inventory made us discover wonders that we did not suspect.
Thanks to the inventory conducted by the naturalistic structure OXALIS, we were able to confirm the ecological wealth of the Golf des Gets. The site is home to a remarkable population of Alpine newts, as well as other amphibians such as the red frog, the green frog, and the common toad.
On the avifauna side, 42 species of birds have been identified, from varied environments: forests, mountainous areas, bodies of water or even built spaces. Among them, we can mention the song thrush, the great spotted woodpecker, the mountain venturon or even the Fuligule morillon, an unusual and remarkable diving duck for our environment that nests on our bodies of water.
The experts also observed 19 species of butterflies, including several almost threatened such as the Polymorphic Mother-of-pearl and the Serpolet Azure or the Morio (Nymphalis antiopa), a migratory butterfly considered almost threatened (NT) in the Rhône Alpes.
15 species of dragonflies have been inventoried, a beautiful population that is thriving thanks to the work carried out by gardeners who ensure the conservation of beautiful belts of semi-aquatic vegetation on certain bodies of water and thus allows for hosting these heritage and threatened species (Aeshne of the rushes, doubtful Leucorrhin, or even rarer the Agiron hasté and the Sympertrum).

- How do your members or visitors react to this ecological approach?

The reception of our members and visitors is very positive.
We have set up signage throughout the course to explain our approach and the actions taken.
To raise their awareness, we have set up a photo contest on the theme of biodiversity which was a great success throughout last season. We will renew this contest every year.

- Do you plan to aim for the Gold label in the coming years?

We focus initially on the Silver Label and our action plan for the next 5 years. If we succeed in carrying out all the actions we set for ourselves, then why not aim a little higher!

Golf des Gets
3157 Route des Chavannes
74260 Les Gets
+33 4 50 75 87 63
info@lesgets.golf
www.lesgets.golf