A Day In The Life Of Gary Connell, Environment and Ecology Stewardship Manager at The Celtic Manor Resort
We had the opportunity to sit down with Gary Connell, the Environment and Ecology Stewardship Manager at The Celtic Manor Resort, to gain insight into his unique role. Gary shared with us what a typical day looks like in his position, the various tasks he manages, and the challenges he faces while maintaining the resort’s beautiful grounds. From overseeing the ecological health of the course to addressing environmental concerns, Gary gave us a deeper understanding of the vital work that goes into preserving the natural landscape at The Celtic Manor.
What time do you arrive at the club and what is your morning routine?
My day begins at 7am and I usually have different jobs planned depending on the weather. During a hot spell, I will want to water the wildflower patches before the heat of the day, usually once a week is sufficient for this task. I may then plan a visit to the apiary to check on the bees. I am also currently working towards Golf Environmental Organisation (GEO) certification for The Championship courses, having already achieved GEO certification for The 2010 Course which is a fantastic achievement for the Celtic Manor Resort.
How many people are there in your team and do you share tasks?
I am based at The Championship maintenance facility where there is a permanent green staff of 15, rising to 22 in the summer. I share an office with the Head Greenkeeper and The Head Gardener who I can rely upon for assistance should I need it for certain tasks, for example, working at height for bird box siting.
How do you collaborate with your colleagues?
I find the teams across both Celtic Manor Golf sites are genuinely interested and supportive in what I do in my role and will report back matters of interest regarding environmental and ecology issues.
What aspects of your job give you the greatest satisfaction?
The wildflowers in full bloom are hard to beat on a summers day and observing our honeybees visiting them even better! Helping pollinators is a vitally important initiative which is supported by The Celtic Manor Resort.
And the least satisfaction?
Unseasonal weather can be devastating for young birds and animals as their parents cannot find enough food for them. Also, the wildflowers can struggle to thrive in inclement weather.
Have you attended any courses recently, and if so, what did you take away?
I am currently attending my second year of a beekeeping course which I find incredibly interesting. We have a team of inhouse beekeepers from a wide range of departments that are on hand to assist in looking after our 5 hives. I also recently attended a Food Handlers Course in order to safely extract the honey. Eventually, the aim is to sell our own honey throughout the Celtic Manor Resort.
What is your favourite season of the year and why?
Autumn has always been my favourite season with September being my favourite month. Throughout this time, the colours throughout the courses are at their best, the course features are well defined and we face little chance of drought. The gardens at this time of year are also looking their best for our guests to enjoy.
Are you witnessing evidence of climate change and, if so, how has your job had to adapt to changing weather patterns?
I think that we are all aware that winters are getting wetter and milder with golf courses defending themselves more and more against flooding. With less cold weather, we also have prolonged disease pressure periods on the greens and wildlife that traditionally hibernates are struggling to do so.
Have you had to overcome any course issues with disease and/or pests?
I have been installing bird boxes in strategic areas to target pests. For example, starlings to predate leather jackets in greens without the mess that corvids make, blue tits to eat the caterpillars of the oak processionary moth (should we be unlucky enough to get them) and flycatchers to eat crane flies.
What seed mixtures and/or cultivars do you use for your greens, tees, fairways and roughs?
In my new role, I am concentrating on wildflower seed mixtures supplied by DLF Seeds which are perfect for pollinators. The ColourBoost range includes such varieties as cornflower, California poppies and lobelia. I also use ProFlora 3 and 6 for wet areas which include ox-eye daisy, sorrel and yellow rattle. ProFlora 15 has also been used which includes such species as meadow buttercup and birdsfoot Trefoil.
With a growing focus on sustainability, do you deploy any sustainable practices in the management of your course?
The Resorts closed loop irrigation system conserves 60,000m3 of water each year by eliminating the need for mains water helping to protect the environment. Sprinklers in the rough are turned off to conserve water and, to prevent over watering, we water by hand whenever possible.
What do you do to support wildlife?
I have constructed 15 bug hotels in and around the Resort which is a great way of reusing unwanted pallets as each hotel requires 5 of them. I have also built and installed over 200 bird boxes using recyclable materials to suit different species. In addition, I have built and installed 10 bat boxes. We have good relationships with Gwent Wildlife and The Welsh Dragonfly Association who have both identified species of interest around the resort.
What are the technological developments that you feel have been the most important in your career to date?
I began my career back in 1981 when ride on mowers were a rarity, the sprayer only came out for emergencies and top dressing was usually a once-a-year event. There is now a greater demand for year-round play which puts pressure on Greenkeepers to achieve the highest of standards. Electric vehicles are just round the corner and aeration techniques have certainly improved. In addition, sprayers are deployed almost daily to tweak the nutritional requirements.
Do you use social media professionally and what do you think this contributes to the industry?
I only use LinkedIn, through which I have come to appreciate how many organisations are now working towards sustainability - with the Celtic Manor Resort being one of those leading the field. Through our committed sustainability book which is an ongoing, online publication, we can highlight our sustainable achievements and goals. I would encourage all those thinking of entering the field of greenkeeping to look at the environment around the golf courses and take a moment to appreciate how diverse they are in providing natural habitats.
What advice would you give to a young greenkeeper starting out today?
Put down your phone! Listen, ask questions and put yourself forward for training. And, importantly, be aware of the nature around you.
How do you spend your leisure time?
I go to the gym, although admittedly not enough! I look after my allotment which I manage organically and I enjoy walking, socialising and reading. I have a large tropical marine aquarium, and I also hope to have my own bees one day.
