KS5 Field Studies Modules at Attenborough Nature Centre
Welcome to Attenborough Nature Centre, an exciting new eco-friendly visitor
attraction surrounded by the tranquil waters of the beautiful Attenborough Nature
Reserve. The Centre houses The Willow Den, a well-equipped education area which
is an ideal field studies base for investigating a variety of freshwater and terrestrial
habitats.
Attenborough Nature Reserve is a designated Site of Scientific Interest due to the
importance of its over-wintering waterfowl population. The network of ditches, ponds,
reed beds, lakes and river offer a diverse field studies location close to the centre of
Nottingham. This close proximity to several large urban conurbations provides a
unique challenge in managing the area for biodiversity and people. The reserve also
boasts species-rich grasslands and woodland habitats. The nature reserve is
managed by The Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust in partnership with the site’s owners,
CEMEX Ltd., and Broxtowe Borough Council.
Our AS/A2 programme offers non-residential day courses to cover relevant aspects
of the Biology and Environmental Science specifications.
Sample Plan
Ecological Techniques for A level Biology
9.30 am
Arrival and welcome
Brief introduction to Attenborough Nature Reserve
Preparing for fieldwork: risk management, ethical issues arising when carrying
out fieldwork, etc.
Walk to study area
10 am
Grassland Ecology
Introduction to Meadow areas including past management and identification of
important features.
Surveys can be of one site only or can be used to compare two or three sites
which are managed in different ways.
Belt Transects
Students can measure % cover of plant species and presence/absence along a
transect to look at succession on an Old Car Park which has since been colonised
or in a meadow bordering a brook to study aquatic succession. Soil samples can be
taken if required.
Attenborough Nature Centre Barton Lane, Chilwell, Nottingham. NG9 6DY (0115) 9721777 [email protected]
A subsidiary of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. Registered Office: The Old Ragged School, Brook Street, Nottingham NG1 1EA
(0115) 9588242 [email protected] Registered Charity No. 224168R
Attenborough Nature Centre Co. Ltd. Company No: 2629026
Protecting Wildlife for the Future
Random Quadrats
A random sampling grid is set up in one or both meadows. Students use random
numbers to locate quadrat positions and measure % cover of plant species and
presence/absence. Take soil samples for analysis in school, if required.
11.30 am
Populations and sampling techniques
Invertebrate sampling (can only be done in dry conditions)
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Mark-capture-release (can include calculation of Lincoln Index)
Pitfall traps
Pooters
Sweep nets
Beating trays
12.30 pm
Lunch
1.15 pm
Freshwater Ecology
Description of two contrasting freshwater sites
Methods of sampling and number of samples needed (theory)
1.30 pm
Freshwater survey of Church Pond and Dragonfly Pond
Site survey: collection of diagrams, photographs and notes.
Methods of sampling
Carry out sampling
Identification of sample with reference to pollution indicator species
Measurement of abiotic factors
Preliminary discussion of results including calculation of Trent Biotic Index if
required
2.45 pm
Summary of fieldwork and any outstanding discussion
3 pm
Farewell
Can also include:
 Habitat conservation and management walk and talk
 Practical conservation work
Attenborough Nature Centre Barton Lane, Chilwell, Nottingham. NG9 6DY (0115) 9721777 [email protected]
A subsidiary of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. Registered Office: The Old Ragged School, Brook Street, Nottingham NG1 1EA
(0115) 9588242 [email protected] Registered Charity No. 224168R
Attenborough Nature Centre Co. Ltd. Company No: 2629026
Protecting Wildlife for the Future