Applied Ecology and Conservation Field Course module
As part of the second year Applied Ecology and Conservation Field Course module, we visited a range of local wildlife sites, such as the British Wildlife Centre, Waterhall, Knepp Estate, Rye Nature Reserve, Blue Reef Hastings and the Hastings Fisherman’s Protection Society. The module very well attended and the students continued to build a diverse skill set. Along the way there were some interesting talks on ecological processes as well as surveys and management experiences. Opportunities for further involvement in the form of volunteering or final year projects have also arisen and these offer excellent opportunities for employment. One of the highlights was the Knepp bird ringing day were we had the opportunity to get close to some amazing birds thanks to Penny, Josie and Dave.
Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems module
This module introduces the principles of marine and freshwater ecology, examining a range of aquatic habitats and investigating ecosystem processes and structures. It investigates the relationships between freshwater and marine habitats and determine how one system influences the other.
The module ended on a high, with a really interesting residential field trip to Slapton Ley in Devon. The three-day field trip led by Dr Neil Crooks and Dr Anja Rott was a great success. Students engaged with a range of aquatic sampling techniques, being able to demonstrate everything they had learnt over the past year. We found ourselves in some truly beautiful locations with a range of interesting organisms being observed on every trip. The students who attended were really engaging, even becoming rather competitive as the poster presentations approached. The quality of work was high and we could not have asked for a better end to a really enjoyable module.
Published by