The discreet guardians of the ponds: the toads of the Golf Bastide de la Salette

At the bend of a fairway or near a pond, some may have noticed small piles of stones carefully arranged a few dozen centimeters from the edge. Far from being decorative, these arrangements are actual refuges for local wildlife.
On the Bastide de la Salette golf course, they have been designed to welcome a discreet but essential guest: the toad.

At the end of winter, nature awakens and marks the beginning of a fundamental cycle. From mid-February onwards, amphibians emerge from hibernation, leave their underground shelters, and begin their migration to wetlands to reproduce. The golf course ponds then become the scene of intense activity, sometimes accompanied by characteristic nighttime concerts. This presence is a sign of a healthy environment, rich in water, vegetation, and tranquility—all conditions necessary for the survival of amphibians.

These stone shelters were installed to meet a specific need: to provide toads with a safe place to hide when they come out of the water.

After breeding, they seek out cool areas that are protected from the sun and predators. The gaps between the stones create an ideal microhabitat, maintaining the humidity and coolness necessary for their survival. This approach is part of the overall ecological management of the Golf Bastide de la Salette, where every feature is designed to promote biodiversity without disrupting the game.

The areas between holes 3 and 15 and around the 10th hole are now prime locations for observing this elusive wildlife. The coexistence of golfers and these protected species perfectly illustrates the ability of a golf course to become a veritable reservoir of life.

Beyond their role in the ecosystem, toads are valuable allies in natural lawn maintenance.

Harmless to humans, they feed mainly on slugs, insects, and larvae, all of which can damage lawns. Their presence thus contributes to natural biological regulation, limiting the need for treatments and improving overall soil health.

In a sustainable approach to course management, promoting these natural allies helps preserve the quality of play while respecting ecological balances. Each toad becomes, in a way, a “guardian of the green,” silently contributing to the protection of the turf and the vitality of green spaces.

This initiative is part of a broader vision: to make the Golf Bastide de la Salette a place where sport and nature coexist harmoniously.

Watching a toad cross a path or walk along a pond becomes an experience in itself, reminding us that the course is also a living space. Golfers are encouraged to adopt a respectful attitude, allowing these amphibians to continue on their way, whether they are searching for food or engaged in their reproductive cycle.

This attentive eye on the local wildlife strengthens the bond between players and their environment, transforming each game into an immersion in the heart of a preserved ecosystem. More than just a playground, golf becomes a refuge for Mediterranean biodiversity, where each species finds its place and contributes to the balance of the site.