An Amazing Field Trip

“In the embrace of nature, education flourishes and inspiration blossoms.”

On Monday 27th April, our Year 13 “A” Level Biology group travelled to Formby beach to complete the Sampling Required Practical 12 as part of their studies.

Students were able to explore 4 different habitats – beach, sand dunes, grassland and woodland and selected 3 of the 4 to sample. They then investigated how abiotic factors (e.g. light, moisture) affects species distribution using random sampling (quadrats) and systemic sampling (belt transects).

Students calculated percentage cover and density to analyse ecological distribution, using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient to test relationships between species distribution and environmental variables.

A great day was had by all and the weather played its part in making this a truly remarkable educational experience.