This course is now fully booked. To view similar courses, visit our website here.

This 6-day camp is a fantastic opportunity for young people, who are interested in marine biology, marine science and Gold DoE participants.

It is run in partnership with the Marine Biological Association (MBA), for young people between 16 and 24 years old who are interested in marine biology and marine science.

Using the fantastic Pembrokeshire coast, the course aims to inspire and educate students about the marine environment. The highlight of the course is the focus on Atlantic Grey Seals, with visits to various sites to watch the newly born seal pups. From seabirds to shore crabs, this course provides and an ideal way to gain skills and experience in Marine conservation, ecosystem surveys and species identification. Special talks and lectures will be given by working conservationists on their research, job roles and the marine environment.

If you are considering furthering your education in marine biology or marine science, this could be the perfect course for you to enrich your field experience and explore some of the possible career pathways.

Our residentials also give you the chance to develop a range of transferable skills. These types of skills help across many areas of life and are particularly good for including in job or education applications. Here are some of the transferable skills that are likely to be covered in this residential:

  • Communicating with others
  • Working as a team
  • Managing your time
  • Reliability
  • Keeping focused

The course is suitable for Duke of Edinburgh Award Gold residential. Always check with your leader before booking.

This course is open to young people aged 16-25. When you book, it is essential that you enter the age and attendees name in the Order Notes at the checkout.  If the attendee is under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian.

Tutor: Field Studies Council Staff

Courses are led by experienced Field Studies Council staff.

  • Seal looking into the camera from the sea

Example Timetable

Day 1

Arrive at 1200

Lunch, register and introduction to camp.

An opportunity to meet fellow participants and go through plans and objectives for the course. A short introduction to the marine environment of Pembrokeshire.

Day 2
Atlantic Grey Seals and Cetaceans: Today explore some amazing coastal sites around the county in search of Atlantic Grey Seals and Cetaceans. Learn about the biology and ecology of these different animal groups and learn cetacean identification surveying skills.

Day 3
Plankton Sampling and Seine Netting: Plankton sampling and a microscope workshop in the lab to identify the plankton samples and learn about plankton ecology. The afternoon will be spent on the Gann Estuary exploring the saltmarsh and having a go at Seine Netting, followed by a discussion on sustainable fishing.

Day 4
Rocky Shores, Beach Clean and Microplastics: A day spent studying a rocky shore ecosystem. Complete a Bioblitz and gain skills in species identification and classification. Use these skills to complete a research survey on the shore, followed by analysis and discussion of the data. During the day there will be a scheduled beach clean and collection of sediment from the strandline, using a simple experiment you will be able to identify microplastics in your sediment sample.

Day 5
Rocky Shores and Group Projects: The day will focus on the value of research and how to plan carry out practical investigations. In small groups plan and complete your own short research project on a rocky shore ecosystem. You will gain skills in project planning, reviewing scientific literature, data collection, analysis and evaluation.

Day 6
Group Presentations and Course Review: Give a short group presentation on your research project. Followed by a review of the course and a discussion on future opportunities in marine science. Depart 1500

What's Included

  • Expert Tuition
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Full Board Accommodation
  • Hot and Cold Drinks
  • In Course Transport

Expert guidance by fully trained FSC staff
Rigorous health and safety procedures including 24-hour emergency cover
Full board and accommodation including a cooked breakfast, lunch,  and an evening meal
All activities and transport during the course
Young Marine Biologist (YMB) or student membership of the Marine Biological Association for 1-year

Before You Attend

A full kit list will be sent to you prior to the course.

This course is open to young people aged 16-25. When you book, it is essential that you enter the age and attendees name in the Order Notes at the checkout.  If the attendee is under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian.

Sorry this course has ended