This course provides an opportunity for schools with low student numbers to tackle different fieldwork enquiries across a range of fieldsites.
The course will also allow students to apply investigative approaches and methods, safely use a range of practical equipment, make and record observations and gain an understanding of the roles and limitations of equipment and techniques.
Slapton Ley Field Centre is located on the Start Bay coast in South Devon and is surrounded by Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve. The Ley is the largest natural freshwater lake in the South West and is separated from the sea by Slapton Sands, a barrier beach. The 214 hectare reserve has been managed by Slapton Ley for over 50 years as an “outdoor laboratory” for education and conservation, and boasts a rich mosaic of habitats including ancient and coppiced woodland, freshwater lake and stream, shingle ridge and rocky shore. The centre offers visitors of all ages the opportunity to experience a unique outdoor learning environment in combination with specialist teaching and facilities.
These courses are for groups of 9 or less students from any one school. Students must be accompanied by a responsible adult (usually a teacher from a school, but could be a parent/carer for an individual student).
The course price includes in-course transport, whilst at the centre, and is exempt from VAT.
Please bring your own packed lunch for the first day. All other meals are included up to a packed lunch on the last day.
Tutor: Field Studies Council Staff
Courses are led by experienced Field Studies Council staff.
Example Timetable
Day 1
Afternoon
Immersive Ecology
Students will spend time on the centre grounds considering and evaluating fieldwork methods within ecology, from abiotic measurements to the use of quadrats. This serves as an introduction to some of the key techniques that they will then use throughout the week.
Follow up session:
Introduction to Aberffraw and succession fieldwork ahead of the next day.
Day 2
Morning and Afternoon
Sand Dune Succession
A full day of fieldwork at Aberffraw Ynys Môn (Anglesey). Students will use point frame quadrats and equipment to collect data along an interrupted belt transect. Management and conservation conflicts will also be discussed.
Follow up session:
Students will present and analyse their data from the day in order to draw conclusions and answer hypotheses.
Day 3
Morning and Afternoon
Ecological Energetics
Students will compare the trophic structure of freshwater invertebrates in the Afon Conwy (5-minute walk from centre) and the pond on the centre grounds.
Follow up session:
Students will continue with their investigation, including analysing efficiency of energy transfer and using an appropriate statistical test to interpret results.
Day 4
Morning
Woodland Ecology and Biodiversity
A visit to ancient oak woodland and temperature rainforest Coed Hafod to investigate the zonation mosses and lichens. We will also discuss the importance of biodiversity in woodland ecosystems. Coed is a 15-minute walk from the centre grounds.
Course end approx. 12pm
