It was a very busy weekend for the 14 A Level students who were investigating ecology at Juniper Hall in Surrey. The students investigated freshwater invertebrates next to a beautiful stream in glorious sunshine, until a sudden downpour forced them to run for shelter.

There were expeditions to look at coppiced woodlands and see an excellent example of succession on the Mickleham Downs. At the field centre itself, students estimated the population of pond snails and even managed to catch a vole and a wood mouse using mammal traps - which were subsequently released! The skills students practised are a vital component of the practical aspect of the course, and it was enjoyable to spend a bit of time out in the field being proper biologists.