ERIC Williamson set out to create his own nature reserve - and ended up with a golfer's paradise in his back garden.The retired businessman couldn't play the game when he began the venture. Now, four years later, he has a nine-hole course which doubles as a haven for wildlife.The father-of-three and grandfather-of-four said: "It's great - every golfer's dream. If I fancy a round I just pop out of the back door." Heights Golf Course, where the longest hole is just over 400 yards, was born after he was offered 10 acres next to his five-acre home at Chadderton Heights, Oldham.Eric, 60, whose handicap is 22, bought the fields from a farmer to fulfil his dream to create a wildlife sanctuary. He asked environmental experts Groundwork Trust to help plant shrubs and trees to create habitats. The 2,000-yard course has 30,000 trees and is a haven for butterflies, birds, insects, rabbits and hares.Eric, whose company sold computer components, said: "A friend suggested that a golf course and my plan for wildlife would go hand in hand. It seemed to fit except that I could barely play."I was a member of a club but because of work and family I could not commit myself properly. Now I have my own and can play when I want. It's quite a tricky course."Eric, who employs a full-time groundsman to look after it, said: "Watching the hares, rabbits and birds is wonderful because that was my aim. My wildlife sanctuary is the most satisfying thing."