On a cold and bright Tuesday in October, our Year 13 geographers ventured out to Wytham Woods for a day of data collection and carbon cycle revision.
Two of our students, Annie and Sophie, tell us about their experience:
On the day of the trip, we were greeted at school by Miss Sissons, Mrs Black and Miss Steer, who were armed with clinometers, tape measures and maps ready for the activities ahead. Nigel Fisher, Conservator of Wytham Woods along with his team of experts, kicked the day off with some mentally stimulating carbon questions which we discussed among ourselves during the brisk walk through the site.
Our first port of call was exploring the different types of woodland and carrying out some quick sketches; a staple necessity in the field! Following several more questions, which tested our problem-solving skills, we were shown how to measure the carbon content of a tree. By measuring the diameter, circumference and height of the tree, we were able to calculate the carbon storage, with the help of a trusty booklet provided by the geography department.
With lunchtime approaching, we experienced more of the woodland on the walk to our lunch spot. While eating lunch, a group of Oxford University researchers informed us about their fieldwork, consisting of identifying every species of insect in the wood as part of a national project, putting the scale of our own projects into perspective.
Several members of our geography class used the rest of the day in order to carry out their own data collection for their respective coursework, comparing the carbon storage of different woodland sites.
We arrived back at school slightly cold, however feeling satisfied with our findings and new information we learned.
