The sun was shining for our A Level Environmental Science students who visited Chichester Harbour for their first ecological fieldwork study and an essential component of their course. They were taught important techniques on sampling at the site with a view to studying the process of sand dune and salt marsh succession at East Head Spit and Snowhill Creek; both sites at West Wittering beach. They also learnt about coastal processes at the site including the many plant adaptations at the regions which enable them to thrive at the location which is a harsh environment for plants.
Emma-Jayne Hanner, Programme Lead for the course at Varndean Sixth Form College said “This field trip provided an invaluable opportunity for our Environmental Science students to apply their classroom learning in a real-world coastal environment. Through hands-on ecological sampling and the study of succession at Chichester Harbour, students developed essential practical fieldwork skills while gaining a deeper understanding of coastal ecosystems, conservation and environmental management. Working alongside the Chichester Harbour Conservancy also highlighted
the importance of nature recovery and habitat protection, greatly enriching the Environmental Science provision at Varndean Sixth Form College, and inspiring students to engage with contemporary environmental challenges.”
The Chichester Harbour Conservancy (CHC) who run the conservation work at the site carry out crucial Nature Recovery Programmes which include education and training of young people and other professionals in Geography, Environmental Science and Biology on the principles of preserving unique habitats and ecosystems. Chichester Harbour was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in November 2023.
The trip was accompanied by Steve Villaneuva-Last, Head of School for Humanities and Yaso Shan, Biology and Environmental Science Tutor.
