SO the rains continue, and it has been the most frustrating time for our hard working greenkeepers.

It’s a challenging time to carry out the normal maintenance work, and in addition find time for the other essential maintenance. For example tidying and trimming the vast number of trees on our course.

However this week has seen a new innovation at Downes Golf Club that may well become a regular feature through the year.

We have been pleased to host a team of Royal Marines on the golf course as part of their Assault Engineer qualifications.

The part of their training that we are primarily involved with is the chainsawing aspect.

The Marine Engineers seek out locations that have trees that need attention, in order to train their ranks in the skills they require. With literally hundred of trees on the course, Downes needs a good deal of tree maintenance work.

This could be the beginning of a very fruitful relationship for both parties. Possibly about three times a year, Downes could become a valuable teaching ground for the Marine Engineers in training, and invaluable tree maintenance for the golf course.

It is clear to see why this work is helpful for the golf course, but what is the relevance for the Royal Marine engineers? The answer is really very interesting.

Downes becomes a training ground for newly recruited engineers to learn to use chainsaws, to remove tree stumps and large debris.

These skills are then put to great use when they respond to crises and vital disaster relief work. They are often flown out at very short notice for hurricane relief, or other disasters.

So it’s a really good relationship, in helping with the tree maintenance on our course, the Marine Engineers hone the skills they need when the emergency call comes.