Biology Students Explore Ecology on Surrey Residential

Year 2 A Level Biology students from East Sussex College recently took their learning beyond the classroom on a two-night residential trip to Juniper Hall in Surrey.

The trip gave students the opportunity to complete two of their required practicals while experiencing hands-on ecology in the stunning Surrey countryside.

Based at the Juniper Hall Field Studies Council centre, students used specialist equipment to conduct experiments and deepen their understanding of ecological systems. Their days were packed with lessons, practical investigations, and evaluations—applying theory to real-world environments.

But it wasn’t all about work! Evenings were spent relaxing around the campfire with marshmallows and exploring the woodlands, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Fiona Binnie, Biology lecturer at East Sussex College, said: "Year 2 A-Level Biologists spent two nights immersed in the Surrey countryside whilst studying part of the ecology units of their course. The trip enabled students to carry out two required practicals using the extensive equipment they have at the Juniper Hall Field Studies Council centre. Their days were filled with lessons, experiments and evaluations but we had plenty of time for marshmallows around the campfire and woodland walks; a great time was had by all."

The trip was a huge success, and future A-Level Biology students will have the chance to follow in their footsteps, bringing their studies to life through hands-on fieldwork in a real-world setting.