Students head out and capture the coast
SRUC students have been making the most of the fabulous weather and have been out an about in Ayrshire busily working towards their countryside management degrees.
Ayrshire is a fantastic environment for learning about the conservation of biodiversity as well as how to monitor it.
In particular the rich diversity of the marine environment around Ayrshires wonderful coastline provides ample opportunity for the students to put learning into practice.
The students recently took part in a brand new national marine monitoring project called ‘ Capturing our Coast’.
Students carried out a beach survey on the rocky shore at Culzean from the waters edge to the cliffs, looking for marine creatures such as limpets and a variety of crab species.
Such surveys allow the water quality and biodiversity of our coast to be monitored so that improvements can be made where necessary. Hannah Grist from the Scottish Association for Marine Science ( SAMS) took the lead on the day, and commented: “We know surprisingly little about the species that live in intertidal areas, so it is fantastic to see the next generation of countryside managers getting passionate about discovering their local marine wildlife.”
HNC Countryside Management students have also been supporting environmental improvements at Belleisle Park in Ayr as part of the Heritage Lottery funded project.
The students have had an active role in the project which has included a design for an outdoor nursery area.
An important part of the course is for students to learn how to manage people in outdoor activities so the learning starts in first year with students leading practical activities.
At Belleisle the students worked on footpaths, hedge planting and habitat piles for species such as hedgehog, which is in decline.
The students also supported the Bioblitz on Saturday, June 25 at the park.
Culzean Castle and Country Park is a well know attraction in Ayrshire and as such through the summer season receives thousands of visitors.
HND Countryside Management second year students have been working alongside Ian Cornforth the Head Ranger at Culzean and his team to prepare and improve access to the beach and cliff walk in the park.
Ian said: “The students worked tirelessly over the planned three day project… helping repair the damaged boardwalk and therefore helping our many visitors reach the beach safely and in comfort.”
With more work planned in the future, Ian added: “I’m looking forward to working with the students again and hoping they will be back to Culzean to help carry out habitat and wildlife surveys in the coming months”.
While the academic year has come to an end, learning will continue with staff at SRUC Ayr.
The Countryside Management team is planning a community conservation volunteering project with the aim being to bring together students and the local community on local conservation issues.
There will be a range of opportunities; from continuing the practical work at Belleisle, learning about and improving knowledge on the biodiversity of Ayrshire through a range of survey opportunities, basic natural history identification sessions and visits to local reserves.
If you are interested in taking contact Sally Gray or Cath Seeds on: 01292 886200 or email ayr@ sruc. ac. uk.