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SFC1 (Year 12) Biology students enjoyed two recent field trips; the Cotswold Farm Park and Bishop's Wood:

Cotswold Farm Park Trip

On Wednesday 22nd June, the SFC1 (Year 12) Biology students travelled on a field trip to the Cotswold Farm Park.

The trip began with a talk about the efforts being put into place by both the government and independent farmers to increase the biodiversity of the land in the UK, with a focus on the work being done on the farm itself to help restore biodiversity. It was really interesting to hear about the topic from the perspective of the farmers, especially in context of the all we had been learning about in our classes.

Vanessa (SFC1) said: “Prior to this trip, I had not realised how exciting the field of conservation farming is. One of the highlights of the talk we were given is the idea of ZELP (Zero Emissions Livestock Project), where harnesses convert the methane waste product from cattle into carbon dioxide through a catalyst.”

Following the talk, we spent the rest of the trip exploring the Farm Park, appreciating the various species of chickens, ducks, sheep, goats, horses and cows that call this farm home, whilst reading more about the efforts the farm undertakes to ensure its effect on the land it inhabits and its ecosystems are positive. Thanks to the wonderful sunshine, it was the perfect weather to do so with an ice cream in hand.

In my opinion (and I greatly doubt my peers would disagree), one of the many highlights of the trip was the opportunity we got to bottle feed the adorable lambs, who were surprisingly quite vicious when presented with a bottle, as well as the chance to interact with the baby chicks, rabbits and other animals being nursed on the farm. All in all it was a wonderful trip, filled to the brim with inspiring and topical information, cute animals and bright sunshine.

Karolina, SFC1 (Year 12)

Biology Field Trip

On 1st July, SFC1 (Year 12) biologists travelled to Bishops Wood to practise ecology skills. The trip was a novel experience for all, with activities ranging from pond dipping to quadrat sampling. We began the trip by discussing biodiversity and its decline in today’s society.

When discussing the importance of biodiversity, one factor that particularly stood out to me was the benefit nature has on wellbeing – the trip certainly reinforced this, with the tranquillity of woodland surrounding us serving as a much-needed escape from the classroom.

For me, the highlight of the trip was pond dipping, especially identifying the variety of invertebrates our group had fished out from a woodland pond. Using identification keys we recognised pond skaters, water snails, larvae and even caught an endangered great crested newt! It was also a great experience to talk to and learn from the staff at the centre, with our guide educating us on the surrounding plants and wildlife, from grey squirrels to yew trees.

Overall, the trip was insightful and fun, both in teaching us important skills, but also in offering an exciting glimpse into the world of practical biology.

Lily, SFC1 (Year 12)