Ecology Sampling and Statistics in Surrey

Year 13 biologists enjoy 3 days of sampling at Juniper Hall as part of their A level Biology programme.

Year 13 biologists enjoyed 3 days of ecology sampling this week, 4-6th March at Juniper Hall in Surrey. Sampling began in coppiced and natural woodland looking at the effect of various abiotic factors on the plant species diversity. Snails were also ‘captured’ marked and released for 24 hours to estimate their population size. The second day was spent sampling river invertebrates with lots of vigorous kick sampling whilst it rained! All results were analysed and statistical tests used to show the significance of the data. On the final evening small mammal traps were laid to help estimate the population of mice and voles in the local area. We were fortunate enough to trap one field mouse, which was then released back unarmed into the wild. I had a lovely time on the trip and would happily go back again. It was a nice change from studying in a classroom as we would go out and do lots of exciting field work and it bought biology to life.

Ethan H