Biology and Geography Students Explore Eden Project and more

Six students took part in a two-day fieldwork trip to Cornwall and Devon, exploring rainforest biomes, coastal habitats and conservation careers.

Pictured L-R: Students Grace, Ewan, Humna, Amelie, Elliot, Max

Six students made an epic journey to Cornwall to determine the carbon content of rainforest trees that are found in one of the biomes.

RNC’s A Level Biology and Geography students went on a two-day fieldwork trip to support their studies.

They visited the Eden Project site where they were able to touch and smell some of the species found in the rainforest.

Students were also able to calculate how many trees would be required to offset their own carbon footprints for this year (it worked out to be around 300!).

Sustainability of planting, forestry and global impact of mono-culture farming were discussed which link back to their A Level programmes. 

Students had the choice to use their independence skills to visit other areas of the Eden or be guided. The independent group went 60m up to the top of the rainforest biome and explored the cloud forest and waterfall areas. 

The guided students visited the Mediterranean biome and had a fantastic talk by one of the Eden project staff who explained the differences between the two climates and allowed the students to smell and touch plants while exploring other aspects of conservation. 


Pictured L-R: Max (student), Grace (student), Annie (staff), Humna (student), Elliot (student)

The group also visited Dawlish Warren in Devon to complete beach studies. Biology students surveyed plant species succession and building of habitat in sand-dunes while geography students were measuring the slope of the beaches, the man-made features to support the human habitation beyond and the impact of erosion. 

Geography students dropped in on the Met Office in Exeter where they had a short tour and lots of conversations with employees, two of whom were visually impaired themselves. This proved to be a great example of how a future career in geography, based at the Met Office could become a reality. 


Pictured L-R: Students Amelie, Ewan

Meanwhile Biology students received an interesting talk from staff at the Beaver Trust.

Huge thanks to volunteer Kevin, part-time tutor Cherith and teachers Catherine and Annie for making the trip possible. 

To view more photos, click here.