Created in 2018, the Golf for Biodiversity Label is part of the national Golf for Biodiversity Programme led by the French Golf Federation with the scientific and technical support of the National Museum of Natural History.

This national programme aims to:

• improve knowledge of biodiversity found on golf courses,
• preserve natural habitats,
• adapt course maintenance practices,
• raise awareness among golfers and the general public about environmental issues.

The label is based on three fundamental pillars:

• I understand: identifying and understanding existing species and habitats,
• I act: implementing concrete conservation measures,
• I raise awareness: informing players, visitors and staff.

There are three levels of distinction — Bronze, Silver and Gold — corresponding to increasing levels of environmental commitment validated by an independent national committee.

Since obtaining the Bronze Label in 2022, Golf de Dieppe-Pourville has continued to strengthen and expand its environmental initiatives in order to sustainably support biodiversity throughout the course.

Supported by the League for the Protection of Birds (LPO), the club carried out a complete ecological assessment over several months to identify local species, remarkable habitats and potential areas for improvement.

This study led to the implementation of an ambitious multi-year action plan combining sporting activity, course maintenance and ecosystem preservation.

A – Preserving Flora and Ecological Land Management

• Late mowing of natural areas to allow plants to flower and support pollinating insects,
• Gradual development of high rough areas,
• Management of invasive exotic species, particularly Japanese Knotweed.

B – Protecting Local Wildlife

Golf de Dieppe-Pourville hosts a wide range of biodiversity: birds, amphibians, pollinating insects, small mammals and bats all find refuge within the course’s natural areas.

To help preserve this wildlife, several initiatives have been introduced:

• Nesting boxes and shelters for birds and small mammals,
• Protection and maintenance of ponds to support amphibian populations,
• Installation of safety nets around water reservoirs to prevent accidental drownings.

C – Raising Awareness Among Players and the Public

Beyond environmental management, Golf de Dieppe-Pourville also aims to help visitors discover the biodiversity present throughout the site.

Awareness initiatives are regularly organised for club members, visiting golfers, junior golf school players, staff members and the wider public during events such as the annual Biodiversity Cup, educational newsletters and fun biodiversity quizzes during the Annual General Meeting.

Educational information boards will soon be installed along the course to explain the actions undertaken and encourage greater understanding of environmental protection issues.

Golf de Dieppe-Pourville now joins the French golf courses most actively committed to biodiversity preservation and continues its ambition to become a recognised environmental stakeholder within Normandy.

Receiving the Silver Label represents an important milestone, but also additional motivation to continue these efforts.

Over the coming years, the club plans to further develop:

• new wildlife-friendly habitats (stone piles, hibernacula and additional nesting boxes),
• environmental awareness initiatives,
• increased high rough areas wherever possible,
• future planting of single and double hedgerows to create ecological corridors,
• long-term scientific biodiversity monitoring,
• the conversion of one of the course’s historic blockhouses into a bat shelter, contributing to the protection of endangered species.

Through this initiative, Golf de Dieppe-Pourville reaffirms its commitment to preserving an exceptional natural heritage while offering golfers a unique setting between sky, sea and nature.