The habitats we work in can be used to illustrate a variety of ecological concepts.
The theory of succession is common to most specifications. We can suggest a variety of habitats to illustrate this:
~ The Border Mires, near Hadrian’s Wall, Stonehaugh and Kielder forest, offer a fantastic opportunity to study the process of succession from the last ice age! With peat coring equipment students will look back 1000’s of years. In participating in the National Park’s MICCI climate change survey students will contribute data and learn of the National (SSSI) and International (RAMSAR) importance of these mires.
~ A visit to Bakethin Nature Reserve illustrates how managing succession can enhance biodiversity.
~ Sand dunes. Although not a habitat local to the residential centres, a visit to study dune ecology can easily be arranged at the start or end of a trip.
Increasingly emphasised in specifications, the importance of management for biodiversity will be illustrated through practical work such as woodland structure and type comparisons, red squirrel surveys or diversity studies of hay meadows.
Management for biodiversity can also be demonstrated through visits to Nature Reserves such as Bakethin and Falstone or ancient oak woodland.
A visit to Kielder Castle interpretation centre will illustrate the Forestry Commission's strategy for the management of Kielder Forest.
Incorporate results into national surveys such as freshwater or lichen surveys through OPAL, RSPB and PLANTLIFE, ERIC or the BSBI new flora of NE England.
We will discuss with you which sampling techniques you would like your students to experience during their visit.
We can offer a wide range of possibilities including:
Different exam boards emphasise different analytical techniques. Your preference of habitat and data collection will be guided by the statistical tests and interpretation needed, such as:
