The Biology field trip to Dale Fort Field Studies Centre, on the stunning Pembroke coast, offered Lower Sixth students the valuable opportunity to explore local ecology, particularly rocky shore and salt marsh habitats. Upon arrival, students were introduced to essential research techniques and statistical tests. This session aimed to prepare the Lower Sixth for accurate field studies.
Students studied rocky shore ecosystems, comparing periwinkle populations and identifying various crab species, including the edible crab, using techniques like transects and tidal measurements for data collection. In the sulphurous salt marsh, the focus was on succession and the effects of abiotic factors on species composition. Despite the challenging terrain, there was only one casualty (Mrs Mason) who fell into the infamous ‘Pit of Doom’ and was promptly rescued without further incident!
The final day was spent analysing research findings and using thin-layer chromatography to study seaweed pigments. The trip provided a hands-on learning experience, deepening understanding of coastal ecology and fieldwork methods, and will inspire future ecological investigations.
