Gaia Golf

Since 2007, Johns Associates has developed a strong specialism in providing a broad range of environmental planning and design, ecological and sustainability advice services to the golf sector.  Almost 3% of the global land surface is associated with golf, with visibility to millions of golf spectators across the globe, alongside notable brand affiliations, We believe that golf has a huge opportunity to be part of the solution to health, biodiverse and resilient landscapes., delivering a wide range of benefits as ecosystem services and nature based solutions, to local economies and supporting communities, not a contributor or cause of harm.

With the right ethos and approach from the outset we have seen these benefits first hand. Our perspective and approach in terms of what we have called ‘Gaia Golf’ is clear - we can and will make a positive difference through sustainable golf that provides a clear and measurable beneficial legacy for the long term.

Our work is recognised through our professional participation in the sector at a range of levels.  This includes acting as Sustainability Associates for the Golf Environment Foundation (GEOSA), Affiliate to the European Institute of Golf Course Architects, working with Clubs to help them deliver the GEO Foundation On Course program and achieve the international golf sustainability accreditation, GEO Certified that is validated through the ISEAL Alliance.

Our services have been used at over 80 golf courses including Royal Port Rush, Royal Troon, Portmarnock, The Island, St Enodoc, Boundary Lakes, Whittington Heath, West Hill, Lethamhill, Coventry, Friford Heath, to name but a few.

We work for golf clubs, golf course architects, course developers and contractors, the GEO Foundation, have provided advice through the R&A’s GTC and prepared both training media, conference talks and reviewing sustainability portfolios for the EIGCA.

• All aspects of ecology including surveys, course design input, biodiversity net gain, impact assessment, monitoring, education and training

• Sustainable drainage and flood risk assessment, integrating solutions with golf play, hazards, water conservation, habitat and landscape character

• Nature based solutions including nutrient, soil and carbon management, climate change mitigation and resilience, natural flood management, habitat conservation and restoration, shading and cooling, pollination, horticulture and food production

• Sustainability advice and appraisals based on the GEO On Course programme, with full service support to successful achievement of GEO Certified for development and facilities

• Environmental planning and permitting - feasibility, scoping and advice on course design, EIA co-ordination, Flood Risk Activity Permit, protected species licencing, woodland management plans and Felling Licences, renewable energy provision, diversification, health and wellness opportunities.