A BioBlitz event held at Royal Lytham & St Annes has recorded an impressive 333 species, highlighting the rich biodiversity on the doorstep of Fylde’s coastline ahead of this summer’s AIG Women’s Open.
The third annual BioBlitz, held last month, brought together local wildlife experts, community groups and golf course staff to identify the diverse range of plants and animals found across the world-renowned links course. Activities included a bat walk, bird walk, moth recording session and beekeeping demonstration, with notable discoveries including a hedgehog, a Puss Moth and a Greenfinch, a red listed bird species.
The event was organised by The R&A as part of its work to demonstrate how golf courses can support wildlife while hosting world class sporting events. Royal Lytham & St Annes will welcome the world’s best players from Wednesday 29 July to Sunday 2 August, and the findings from the BioBlitz will help shape fan engagement during the Championship, including a dedicated Nature Trail and a ‘Giving Nature a Home’ activation delivered with Lancashire Wildlife Trust, focusing on red squirrel conservation.
Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said: “It’s wonderful to see the natural heritage of our coastline celebrated on such a global stage. The AIG Women’s Open is a fantastic opportunity to show visitors that our area offers so much more than championship golf, and we are proud to support events that connect our community with the wildlife on our doorstep.”
Residents can find out more about the Nature Trail and wildlife activities during the AIG Women’s Open by visiting the event website here.
Residents and local businesses can find out more about the Championship here.
