Courses

The study tour took third years from a number of programmes including Sustainable Environmental Management and Countryside Management to various rural businesses and natural heritage sites in the Loch Tay area.

 

Based out of Edinburgh University field station at Firbush on the south shore of Loch Tay, students enjoyed visits to the Rannoch Smokery, Schiehallion, and Aberfeldy. The field station also offers activities such as kayaking and mountain biking.

During the evenings students had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of various sampling techniques such as small mammal trapping and bat detecting.

 

The second half of the week was dedicated to small group projects which this year included studying the impact of fair trade on Aberfeldy, water quality sampling around Loch Tay, and National Vegetation Classification surveys of woodland sites. The students gave presentations about their projects on the final day.

The field trip was a great success, staff and students had fun and learnt a great deal, as well as bonding with students from all three campuses. It also acts as an excellent introduction to project work and hopefully kick starts thoughts about fourth year honours projects.  

 

Text: Fiona Borthwick, Pictures: Alistair Hamilton, Pat Wightman, Ian Cornforth