A

-

L

e

v

e

l

 

B

i

o

l

o

g

y

 

T

r

i

p

 

In order to support the completion of the Biology A level practical endorsement, two non-residential field days were organised for the Lower Sixth biologists in the penultimate week of the Summer term. Due to the success of these trips in previous years, the trip yet again took place at Juniper Hall FSC, near Dorking.

The first day involved looking at coppicing and woodland succession in the Surrey hills overlooking the field centre. The students hiked up to the top of Lodge Hill to learn about the conservation of woodland and how rotational coppicing helped to greatly increase biodiversity.

Students used a variety of equipment to measure abiotic factors and their effect on the number of plant species in each area. We also had the bonus of warm weather and some spectacular views of the Surrey Weald whilst having a break and eating our packed lunches.

The second day involved the students carrying out their extended investigation. The students travelled to the River Tillingbourne and designed a freshwater study on how an abiotic factor of their choice affected the abundance of a chosen freshwater invertebrate. The site was beautiful with a small meandering river running through the field.

Great fun was had by all using a kick sampling method and dipping nets to catch a variety of freshwater invertebrates. The students worked extremely hard throughout the day. There was great excitement when some large crayfish were caught.

By the time we headed back to Hurst exhausted, everyone had collected some excellent data and had already been able to analyse their results.