Research at Slapton Ley

For over 50 years, Slapton Ley has been the source of valuable research data for universities. There are many research projects underway at any time. Some of them, like the Slapton Catchment Hydrology Project, the longest-running project of its kind in the UK, require long-term recording of data. Other studies have specific short-term aims like the re-introduction of Strapwort.

Water Quality

In the 1960s, we realised that the Ley was becoming increasingly eutrophic (enriched by nutrients leading to algal blooms). To gauge water, sediment and nutrient inputs into the lake, we started taking measurements in the river catchments feeding Slapton Ley in late 1969. Ever since, we have continued doing this weekly water sampling programme. This long-term study has been supplemented by a number of research projects.

The data is available on request from the Centre for academic study.

Weather Data

Since 1961, meteorological observations have been recorded at Slapton Ley Met Office sub station. Every day at 0900 GMT, a member of staff records the weather conditions from the last 24 hours.

This data is collected in line with Met Office standards.The Met Office use this data to create accurate descriptions of the UK’s climate. For further information please visit www.metoffice.gov.uk

This data provides a context for climatology, ecology, hydrology and beach projects over the short and long term.

The weather station at Slapton Ley is equipped with accurate instruments to record; Minimum temperature, Maximum temperature, Dry bulb and wet bulb (humidity), Minimum ground temperature, Wind speed (at 0900 GMT), Wind direction (at 0900GMT), Run of wind, Sunshine hours, Rainfall, Cloud cover, Visibility

Devon Bird Watching & Preservation Society

The Devon Bird Watching and Preservation Society was formed in 1928 as a charity run by volunteers. The society aims to ‘further the study of birds in the field and to assist in their conservation’.

Volunteers have observed the fortunes of breeding and migrant birds at Slapton Ley for over 50 years and there has been a programme of ringing birds since 1960. Data collected is passed to the British Trust for Ornithology to be included in the national records.

Reed warblers that breed in the reed beds and are ringed at Slapton. They return each spring from their wintering area in West Africa to raise a brood before leaving in the early autumn. This amazing journey is repeated over many years as some birds can live for up to 12 years.

The reed beds also provide food and shelter for birds that breed further north and pass through on migration. Birds ringed here have been found in Europe and Africa, helping to build up a picture of the movements of this sturdy little bird which may help with its conservation.

To find out more about the Devon Bird Watching and Preservation Society, please click here.

Placement Opportunities

Slapton Ley Field Centre and National Nature Reserve welcomes applictions from both undergraduates and postgraduates wishing to enhance their studies with a placement period. We would be happy to hear from students wishing to secure a placement for anything from a few weeks to 9 months.

Placements may be sought for students undertaking a range of studies including conservation, ecology, landscape systems, countryside management and other related subjects. In addition, the Field Centre would be interested to hear from students interested in teaching and learning focused placements, or any mixture of the above.

A placement at Slapton Ley can offer students the following:

A rich and varied experience of work in the outdoor learning sector, working alongside experienced tutors to provide high quality field courses.
Monitoring and surveying the diverse range of habitats held within the National Nature Reserve, working alongside a team of staff and volunteers.
Hands on maintenance of footpaths and trails in and around the National Nature Reserve.
Experience of working as part of a dynamic and enthusiastic team.
Time spent in the beautiful surrounds of Slapton, living as part of its community*.

If you would be interested in applying for a placement, please email details of your current study and area of interest to [email protected].

*We may be able to offer a live in option for placement students, upon request and subject to accommodation availability.

Research Seminar

Saturday 11th November 2023

Slapton Ley Field Centre are looking for speakers for this year’s Research Seminar taking place on Saturday 11th November. There is no set theme, opening the opportunity up to anyone with research conducted on or around the National Nature Reserve.

Slapton Ley Field Centre are looking for proposals of 10-20 minute presentations and abstracts of a maximum of 200 words.
Proposals are to be submitted by 1st August 2023 to [email protected]

Find out more

Research Libary

Slapton Research Library contains a vast amount of information ranging from research papers and journals to university research and monitoring records.

Search the database from the Field Studies Council website to find the article you need. If you find an article of interest please contact the Field Centre for further assistance.

Please follow this link to search the Research Library catalogue on the Field Studies Council website and follow this link to find Field Studies Journal papers for Slapton Ley.