During Easter, students in their first year of the undergraduate Environmental Science programme attend the residential field course. Using Exeter as our base, we will travel to various sites set amongst the outstanding scenery of South Devon’s Jurassic coast and Dartmoor National Park, including the River Teign at the National Trusts’ Castle Drogo, Dawlish Warren, and Meadfoot beach.

 

You will meet professionals who work in the Environmental sector, including nature reserve wardens, Environment Agency staff, and consultants, who will describe the various conflicts and issues associated with management and development of many of these sites. For 6 days you will learn important skills and techniques essential for professional Environmental Scientists, including how to conduct ecological, geological, forest and social surveys, environmental impact assessment (e.g. of oil spills or hydropower development), levelling, remote sensing, problem solving, and project development and management.

 

The field course also provides a fantastic opportunity to get to know your fellow students and members of staff better, and perhaps become part of the Environmental Science Student Society in order to make a difference. Many students state that this is the highlight of the first year of the programme, if not the entire degree. You will be tired at the end of it, but you will establish memories and friendships that will last your life-time.
 

I look forward to welcoming you on the next field course in 2014.
 

Paul Kemp (Field Course Co-ordinator)