Year 12 Biology pupils recently took part in an engaging coastal ecology field trip at Wembury Beach, where they investigated biodiversity and environmental variation along the shoreline. The visit provided pupils with the opportunity to apply classroom learning to real-world ecological research while developing practical fieldwork and data analysis skills.
Jasmine B reflected on her experience, sharing how the day began with pupils working in pairs to identify a range of seaweed species found on the upper shore while the tide was in. Using seaweed identification cards alongside the iNaturalist app, they successfully identified several species, including sea lettuce, egg wrack, channelled wrack and gutweed.
The group then set up two parallel transects along the shoreline and discussed limpet biodiversity, adaptations and ecological variation with guidance from Mr Whitehead and Ms Bateman, where they also shared some interesting facts. Following this introduction, they placed quadrats at two-metre intervals along the transects. Working in groups, pupils either counted the number of limpets present or measured their height and length using rulers. The data collected will contribute towards each pupil’s individual ecological research project, focusing on limpet populations and seaweed distribution.
After a well-earned lunch on the beach, pupils enjoyed some informal time skimming stones, with Harry PJ reportedly setting the record and achieving an impressive ten skips.
In the afternoon, the group moved further down the shore to repeat their sampling techniques in a second zone. By comparing results from the two areas, pupils were able to investigate how environmental conditions influence species distribution. Discussions focused on factors such as temperature, pH, water exposure, wave action and oxygen availability, all of which affect the organisms living within coastal ecosystems.
Pupils also spent time rock pooling to further explore biodiversity in the area. Despite some slippery conditions and a few wet socks and shoes, pupils discovered a variety of marine life including a crab, starfish, hermit crab and some small fish.
To conclude the fieldwork, pupils created a 60-metre transect running parallel to the land and used quadrats to record the distribution of seaweed species along the beach. This final investigation enabled pupils to examine how seaweed populations vary across different sections of the shore.
Reflecting on the experience, Jasmine particularly enjoyed the discussions surrounding biodiversity, natural selection and interdependence within ecosystems. The fieldwork provided valuable opportunities to apply biological theory in a practical setting while also highlighting the challenges scientists face when collecting accurate data in natural environments.
The following day, pupils spent four lessons analysing the data they had collected and learning to apply statistical tests to evaluate their hypotheses. This allowed them to further develop their understanding of ecological research methods and strengthen the connection between fieldwork investigations and classroom biology studies.
Article written by Year 12 pupil Jasmine B, overseen by Ms Bateman, Biology teacher.
