On 26th September, A-Level Biologists visited Porlock and Exmoor National Park to complete a field course as part of their Ecology module. Porlock Bay is a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), due to the rare marshland habitat that it offers, and here students learned more about the fauna of the intertidal zone.

Throughtout the day they also conducted various sampling techniques and looked at how to use different pieces of equipment to measure a range of abiotic variables. The afternoon saw the trip move to higher ground, towards Dunkery Beacon on Exmoor.

A few stops were made on route for students to start observing differences between managed and unmanaged territory and to investigate the impact that this may have on levels of biodiversity. All of this whilst enjoying the breath-taking scenery on offer at the National Park. A successful outing was had and the students will now look to apply these skills towards the completion of a practical write-up which forms part of the practical assessment certificate, a key component of the A-Level experience.