A-Level Science’s biology field work

A-Level Biology students went out into the great outdoors at the weekend to carry out their field work practical research. It was an early rise and we met at school to get onto the mini bus which took us to the Clennon Valley conservation center.
This is a large area of lake and wetland near Goodrington in Paignton. This amazing area Is home to a huge variety of bird and sea life including families of swans and ducks. It is also home a hugely divers range of pond life. Our task was to identify species, document population and to record findings to be written into a formal report as part of our A Level Science practical work.

The area is well cared for by the national trust and the park rangers and while it is close to town it has the impression of being in the wild countryside. It is also close to the beach and stunning coastline.

The main species we identified were damselflies which are the cousins of dragonflies and ponds are important habitats for them, we also saw large numbers of dragon flies but it was below the water line that we found most of our data with a huge variety including Water Slaters, Water Beetles and Shrimps. We also saw larger underwater animals like Cray fish and frogs.
We also spent time studying on the beach and again discovered a huge variety of sea life close to the shore. We worked in small groups to carry out a study on food webs and feeding relationships on a rocky shore, and will now use ICT to construct pyramids of biomass and energy; we also investigated competition and coexistence on the seashore by carrying out work in small groups.

We discovered a huge variety of life and a stunning area of natural beauty but we have also carried out essential research that will form the basis of our A Level Biology practical work. Because this is also a public space we are going to submit our findings to the park ranger as they are always keen to have up-to-date information in their efforts to maintain the natural environment.