Year 13 Applied Science students visited Teesmouth Field Centre in October to learn more about sand dune ecosystems.

Year 13 Applied Science students visited Teesmouth Field Centre in October to learn more about sand dune ecosystems. Whilst there they carried out their own investigation of the sand dunes which gave them the opportunity to develop their practical skills in the use of ecological techniques essential for collecting accurate data.

Students had the opportunity to meet and work with Ecologists who are experts in their field. They successfully completed a line transect across the sand dunes and determined the abundance of the different plant species present. Abiotic factors were also measured, including pH, temperature and infiltration rate.

The students braved the weather conditions to collect data on the distribution of lugworms found in the upper and middle shore areas. The data is currently being analysed, using statistical tests, so that a full report of the investigation can be completed.

Contributed by Mrs Fawcett