As the open Fixed Dune habitat was lost to this scrub and woodland development, the traditional golfing ‘links’ character was also reduced.

A detailed Conservation Management Plan for Royal Birkdale has been agreed and implemented over the recent years. This work has once again revealed the dune ridges and restored an Open Landscape character to the course with fine views.

The key element to the success of this plan has been the strong working partnership between The Club, supported by the R&A, and nature agencies such as English Nature, The Environment Agency, The Sefton Coast Life Project and the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. This is an excellent example of golf and nature in partnership, and is being used as a demonstration model for work with other golf clubs along the Sefton Coast.