Maesdu Earn Top Sustainability Award

Maesdu Golf Club Becomes North Wales’ First GEO Certified Club

MAESDU Golf Club has become the sixth in Wales, and first in North Wales, to receive a top sustainability award.

The club has received the certificate from the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf after making a series of changes both on and off the course.

The project was led by club member, Ian Peters, who, together with volunteers and the club’s course maintenance team led by head greenskeeper, Daniel Evans, ensured they achieved the targets needed to gain the award.

Sustainability Initiatives at Maesdu

These included biodiversity enhancements working in collaboration with the North Wales Wildlife Trust, which included the development of long grass meadows, tree management programmes, bird boxes and bug hotels, along with managing ponds to support micro habitats and biodiversity.

Conservation practices have been adopted, including the establishment of a tree nursery, wildflower planting, bracken removal from bluebell habitats, and the introduction of bee hives to boost pollinator support.

A Sport Wales grant was used for a water-saving project, which includes rainwater harvesting and a portable water bowser for irrigation.

Energy efficiency initiatives have been implemented, including the installation of solar panels, LED lighting, and energy-efficient systems in the clubhouse.

Community Support and Recognition

The club has supported multiple charities, including Ty Gobaith Hospice, Macmillan Nurses, and Blind Veterans UK, and enhanced community integration by donating land to Sustrans for a cycle track, thereby enhancing local recreational opportunities.

“Congratulations to Maesdu, gaining the GEO certification is the gold standard in the industry and shows they have made a substantial impact on the sustainability at the club,” said Dilwyn Griffiths, Wales Golf Head of Facilities and Sustainability.

“They are the first in North Wales, the sixth in Wales and it is great to see Celtic Manor becoming the seventh to attain this certificate as we approach a double figure number of Welsh clubs reaching this landmark.

“Sustainability is a vital way forward to clubs, both in terms of controlling their own costs and facilities going forward but also as central cogs in their communities.”

GEO and Wales Golf Partnership

Alan Grant, GEO Director of Partnerships and Engagement, added:

“We have a good relationship with Wales Golf and the Welsh Government has also provided support and assistance to help clubs attain GEO certification.

“A lot of it is about education and communicating with the clubs in Wales what sustainability is, recognising the work they are already achieving as well as the progress they can make.

“GEO certified clubs are leading the way in sport and in their communities, and this verifies the progress made in several areas.

“Sustainability is not just about the environment and climate, it is also about helping the well-being of the local community and Maesdu have also been quite exemplary in that.

“The leadership from Wales Golf is only going to be more important and this allows golf clubs in Wales to differentiate themselves from other sports by engaging with their communities and good stewardship of the land.”

Maesdu Chairman’s Statement

Maesdu Chairman, Alistair Bailey, said:

“I am extremely proud that Maesdu/Llandudno Golf Club is the first club in North Wales, and sixth in Wales, to receive this prestigious award.

“It reflects our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and sustainable practices across all aspects of our operations.

“As we continue our sustainability journey, we look forward to building on this achievement and reinforcing Llandudno Golf Club’s reputation as a leader in sustainable golf.

“Achieving this milestone has been a collective effort, and I would like to extend my thanks to all those who have worked to ensure that our club not only delivers an exceptional golfing experience but also takes meaningful steps to protect and enhance the natural environment that we are privileged to be part of.”