Environment

The scenic habitats adjacent to the playing areas include semi-natural grassland, marsh, scrub, coniferous and broad leaved woodland, the Allander Water and Craigton Burn.  All of this natural beauty is only 25 minutes from the centre of Glasgow.

An international bird census in 1998 over 116 European golf courses reported Hilton Park had more bird species than any other participating UK course.  In 2001 the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) designated the courses a Listed Wildlife Site after bird and plant counts confirmed Hilton Park’s value to wildlife.  Since then a Wildlife Observations book has been set up and each spring SWT lead a wildlife spotting walk on the courses.

The green staff  have continued to manage the courses to ensure the natural heritage is maintained.  As a result, golfers can enjoy seeing and hearing curlews,  kestrels, herons and the normally elusive long-eared owl as it hunts during the day in spring and early summer.  The Estate is a haven for families of roe deer, stoats and brown hare.  More recently kingfishers and otters have been spotted near the Allander.

Because of the large amounts of land used by golf courses, the R&A had to respond to concerns of environmentalists and since 1985 have worked hard to ensure all understand the ecological impact of golf course management.  The R&A,  SGU and Scottish Executive (SNH) are advising golf clubs to form course, energy and waste management plans which will benefit not only the golfer and condition of courses but also the landscape, wildlife and environment .  Open Championship Course, Carnoustie, St Andrews, Turnberry and several other golf courses have now put the principles of environmental management planning in place. 

In 2010, Hilton Park commissioned an independent Woodland Management report by the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) to assist with appropriate management of the mature coniferous and broadleaved woodland on the courses.  The report is a working document, detailing ecologically sound woodland management for each of the 36 holes over a 5 year period, to improve the quality of the golf courses and enhance their natural beauty for all to enjoy.