Biology Fieldwork

Our Sixth Form Biology students recently spent three days carrying out field work in preparation for their A2 exams next year.

On arriving at Hothersall Lodge, Longridge the students were dismayed by the news that it is possible to carry out fieldwork in torrential rain, and so set out to study four tributaries of the River Ribble in the nearby vicinity. They focused on the collection of invertebrate species that would indicate the water quality of the different rivers. Identification of the animals was completed in the laboratory and a measure of the biodiversity was calculated. It all sounds rather serious but was actually quite fun.

The threat of thunder and lightning on Sunday could not prevent the group from completing a study of dune succession at Ainsdale, near Southport. The Sefton coastline is a nationally important habitat and home to many rare and endangered species. The students used specific techniques such as quadrats and transect lines, to investigate how the changing conditions affect the distribution of organisms.

Torrential rain on day one, thunder and lightning on day two, what else would they have to face on the last day in search of science? The answer was yet more driving rain, and a toxic cloud from the chemical fire at Longridge! What a lovely way to complete their final investigation on Parlick, near Chipping. Data on plant productivity was collected during an arduous ascent up the hill and another transect at the peat bog illustrated plant zonation. The terrible conditions, typical of this part of Lancashire, made the climb even more difficult! However, the group took it in their stride and refrained from complaining, too much!

The group behaved impeccably throughout the visit and were a real credit to Arnold School. Despite the poor weather, the group completed all the work and managed to practise important skills needed for next year’s A2 examinations.

Posted by: M S Downey
Date: Saturday 07/07/2007