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. The green keeper and members formed a working group to enhance awareness of wildlife and to ensure appropriate management of the trees on and around the courses. In 2001  the Scottish Wildlife Trust designated the courses a Listed Wildlife Site after bird and plant counts confirmed Hilton Park’s wildlife value.

The green staff  have continued to manage the courses to ensure the natural heritage is maintained. As a result golfers can enjoy seeing curlews, wood peckers, kestrels, herons and the long-eared owl as it hunts 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 . The 2007 Open Championship Course is one of many prestigious courses to put the principles of environmental management planning in place. At Hilton Park our Estate Management Plan is in its initial stages of  development and with professional help our aim is to maximise the natural beauty of the surroundings while continuing to improve the quality of the golf courses for all to enjoy.