News Students Enjoy Environmental Field Work 11.10.2024

Collyer’s second year A-level Environmental Science students recently spent the day at RSPB Pulborough Brooks to receive training in numerous fieldwork techniques as part of the research methods unit of the course.

Dr Ian Carr, Collyer’s Assistant Director of the Science Faculty and Head of Geology and Environmental Science, explained: “The students were given great introduction to the methods used to monitor environmental change and were trained in random and systematic sampling, including using quadrats and transects.”

The group also measured air and soil temperature, light intensity, canopy cover, plant ground cover and identified plant species. The students also investigated invertebrate populations using sweep nets and pitfall traps.

Dr Carr added: “Enormous thanks to Environmental Science teacher Murray Tarvis who organised the trip, and to the RSPB’s amazing Paula Bradbury and Teja Zakotnik, who facilitated the sessions. We were all very impressed by the work ethic of the students, particularly considering the damp conditions!”