Form 5 pupils from Great Ballard School had an exciting day at the RSPB Reserve at Pulborough Brooks with the Education Officer and volunteers, where they had an opportunity to carry out practical field work.
This involved pond dipping, the use of sweep nets, data loggers, viewers and identification sheets to examine a diverse and extensive variety of plants, insects, amphibians and reptiles in different habitats. It was very hands on and the children learned how to identify key features of these organisms and also their adaptations linking them to the habitats that they live in.
The RSPB Pulborough Brooks reserve is very special within the South Downs National Park as it has a variety of different habitats all very close together. As well as the pond habitat, there is woodland, an ancient meadow and heathland. Pupils studied each of these in turn, took temperature readings and studied a number of different organisms. They were looking to see how all the organisms adapted to the special conditions that made each habitat unique.
The children were very enthusiastic, they also learned about the threats to habitats and something of the work that the RSPB undertakes to ensure that these special places are preserved for all wildlife and for us to enjoy.
