25 A level Biology students, accompanied by Mrs Johnson and Mr Lane, set off very early by coach on Friday 18th June for 4 days of field work, based at the Field Studies Council centre at Betws-y-Coed, Snowdonia. The centre proved a great base from which to carry out field work necessary for the start of the A2 Biology course.

Over the 4 days we worked in a varied range of habitats, using different sampling techniques to provide the hands-on experience that will be so useful for A2 module 4 in January, along with statistical analysis of the data we collected. We “kick sampled” for invertebrate life in the River Conwy, collecting an assortment of mayflies, caddis flies, beetles, leaches and worms. Using quadrats, we studied zonation down a rocky shore at Penmon point on Anglesey, finding, as we moved up to the high water mark from the sea, a very varied and changing array of both animal life and seaweeds.

The magnificent dune system at Morfa Harlech was used to study ecological succession, against the backdrop of Harlech Castle: one of King Edward I’s “Ring of Iron” castles built on the sea line in the 1280s. Today it stands about 1 km from the beach due to the build up of the dunes over the intervening 700 years.

On the last evening we set a large moth trap as well as several Longman traps to catch small mammals and were rewarded, the next morning, by an entrancing selection of wood mice, bank voles and field voles, as well as some stunning moths which had been attracted to the strong light of the moth trap. The final habitat considered was that of contrasting grasslands, collecting invertebrate life with sweep nets and pooters.

Highlights of the trip have to include glorious weather, the varied habitats themselves, enchantment at the small mammals and moths, the river antics of Ed and Josh, evening 5-aside football, the Sunday night film and, of course, Mr Lane’s trousers – who could forget those?

Sue Johnson, Science Teacher