SPRING 2012017777 Leaves & Leather IIISSUEISSUE 22 The Newsletter ooff Bath Spa University’s Environmental Science and Biology awards

In this issue: Leaves & Leather hat-trick! Campus biodiversity This issue makes it three in a row; three issues each of an impressive 36 pages. It’s most gratifying to see how we’ve grown from a modest 6 pages at birth in 2007. But, that growth Alumni Profiles (2, 9, is only possible with YOUR contributions. So, students and staff colleagues, read this issue 15, 18, 21, 26, 36) and become inspired to offer something for the next issue – copy due late August 2017. Kilimanjaro! Life on Newton Park Small World Initiative Hello, Bath Spa students and staff from a cold and snowy Boston, Massachusetts! Last The Quarry Life December I returned home to America from my study abroad at Bath Spa University where for three months I lived on the beautiful Newton Park as an international student. Although I’m an Marinated Mexico American continuing my degree in History, thanks to taking a 20 credit Biology module [BY4502 A rum do… Biodiversity and Conservation] I found myself increasingly interested in biodiversity and life on lovely Newton Park. Wise plants Towards the middle of term, often times following hours of study when my concentration had Hospital placement inevitably slipped, I would pause, look around the classroom or library, and think to myself, Wise animals “When was the last time I got outside?” My vitamin D levels had surely plummeted, my lungs were thirsty for fresh countryside air… So, equipped with waterproof shoes and an unceasing Likin’ the Lake District curiosity, I stepped out onto Newton Park. Himalayan highlights My biology module inspired me to be more interested in biodiversity. On my daily walks around Barnacle and campus I began to study the variations of life and realized that Bath Spa University is steeped in bacterium in Oz biodiversity, containing a variety of important habitats and species waiting to be explored. One particularly diverse spot, the Lakeside Walk, is a popular, dirt footpath winding around Fish African cheetah tale Pond where students walk and many species live. Near to the water’s edge mother and father The moss’s tale… mallard ducks can be seen leading their ducklings into the water to share the pond with beautiful white swans. Overhead wind blows crisp, autumn air through deciduous angiosperms Kenya Red Cross encouraging them in their hour of abscission to ornate the footpath in orange, auburn and gold. Better yet, occupying a prime piece a property, a community of badgers reside within a Indonesia, down under waterfront sett located between the boathouse and bat shed. All species here exist in harmony. Meet the staff… Next, continuing straight up the Lakeside Walk, there is another particularly diverse site. This Bats, badgers, boots… side of campus contains the greenhouse, a robust garden by the Biology buildings, bat 21 st century silk residences, cows and sheep. Situated adjacent to the Castle there is a notable roost of Lesser Horseshoe Bats (Rhinolophus hipposideros ) in the gatehouse. This bat is a Protected Species in Alpine cycle ride Great Britain and Newton Park has conscientiously added bat boxes to various trees in this area for the bat populations. Nearby to the bats live the sheep who spend their days grazing in the Another rum do… field beside dozens of cows – both dairy and beef cattle. The cows on Newton Park are extremely docile; however, do take caution when crossing the field via the paved footpath because two bulls do graze there.

All in all, Bath Spa University’s Newton Park is a phenomenal space. I’m glad I was lucky enough to discover the biodiversity on campus through my walks. My time here in England has been all I could have asked for – and more! I advise anyone who may get stressed to take a seat at the foot of a friendly oak tree, inhale the clean countryside air, watch the bats flap across the evening sky, and listen to the cows across the road moo. But, above all, take in the biodiversity of this amazing campus.

Caitlin Sheridan Leaves & Leather Page 2

Kirstie Thistlethwaite [BSc. (Hons) Env. Sci., 2016]

What have you done since graduating? like sardines in a tin. Typically, i n a two -week

I decided that my three years of hard work period I have four to six 9-5 hour days. weren’t enough and embarked on a Masters course. Before starting this programme, I Most favourite part of your current job?

enjoyed moving into a new home in Bath and The diversity of people in my class. Our

had a wonderful holiday in Adelboden cohort is 39 strong, of which 36 are

(Switzerland) with the Girl Guides from my international students from Mexico, China,

home town. Spain, Greece, Paraguay, Hong Kong,

Malaysia, and Pakistan. The group is also

What is your current ‘job’? formed of a range of academic backgrounds, I am currently working towards an MSc in from Geography to Hydraulic Engineering. Water and Environmental Management at the This diversity makes the classroom extremely University of Bristol interesting as we learn new things about each [http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/ other’s cultures, countries and academic 2017/eng/msc-water-environmental- experiences. I am also looking forward to “I am currently management/ ]. The course is unique because travelling and visiting everyone’s home working towards an of the way the modules are run; there are 10 countries once we have completed the MSc in Water and modules in total, including a dissertation and course. Environmental two optional modules. Each of the nine minor Management at the modules runs for two weeks only, meaning that … least favourite part? University of we complete all of our learning, as well as MATLAB!!! This is the numerical and Bristol.” assessments, within that time. This structure statistical analysis program we have learnt to means the course is highly intensive requiring a code so we can use it to model fast application of new knowledge and skills. environmental systems, such as a river “Typically, in a two- Core course modules are: Numerical Analysis catchment. Although this is a valuable skill to week period I have using MATLAB; Introduction to Environmental have, it was (and still is…), a hard piece of four to six 9-5 hour Statistics using MATLAB; Research Skills; software to get to grips with. And the exams! days. ” Terrestrial Hydrometeorology; Surface and

Groundwater Hydrology; Environmental How Bath Spa prepare you for employment?

Management, Policy and Regulation; Research Top advice for Studying Environmental Science gave me a current Bath Spa Skills 2: Literature Review; Masters wide range of knowledge concerning the Biologists/Environm Dissertation. environment and how it works. This has given ental Scientists? Optional modules are: Integrated Catchment me the perfect foundation for my master’s “Take all the Management; Environmental Systems and course to build on and given me more opportunities you can Ecosystems services; Water Resources specialised skills in the field of hydrology. to gain experience in Engineering Being a scientist has also allowed me to have the field and the real a different perspective on topics in the course world. Learning all the Typical day in the current job... than those who have come from an theory is great, but it As I still live in Bath, my day begins with a 6:30 engineering background; this often leads to is even more am alarm and the 7:38 train from Oldfield Park interesting class discussions. important to be able station to Bristol Temple Meads, followed by a to implement it in the walk through Bristol up the hill that is Park Best memory of your time at Bath Spa? real environment. It is Street and into Queen’s Building which holds The fieldtrips! My favourite was India,. the real-world the Faculty of Engineering. Our days are 9 to 5 Studying the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh experience that I draw when in class: usually a 9-10.30 lecture, a cemented my interest in water as a hazard to upon daily in my break, a 11-1 lecture, a lunch break, and either master course.” both people and the environment. I have another lecture, a seminar or an assessment. great memories of hiking through the Solang After the long day, it’s a walk to catch the 17.49 and Upper Beas Valley in the lower Himalaya train home on which passengers usually feel admiring the river and mountains. Leaves & Leather Page 3

Going up in the world [Part 1] “In October 2016 we made the decision to climb up Kilimanjaro .”

“Overall, our group raised more than £51,000 for Dig Deep. ”

“let's just say that health and safety In October 2016 we made the decision to climb up Kilimanjaro for the charity Dig Deep regulations on [http://www.digdeep.org.uk/ ]. Located in northern Tanzania, Kilimanjaro – also known as the Kenyan buses aren’t roof of Africa – is the highest free-standing mountain in the world, at 5895 metres (19,340 feet). the same as the To complete this challenge, we first had a fundraising target of £3000. We achieved this by doing UK…” a number of fundraising events both at university and at home, including bag-packing at local supermarkets, pub quizzes/raffles, and selling bacon baps to other students. Overall, our group raised more than £51,000 for Dig Deep. The charity uses the funds in building projects and to “Whilst on the buses provide sustainable clean water sources and sanitation for schools in rural Africa, and to train we were able to see the community in hygiene. more of the Day 1: Our journey began at Heathrow where we met the group of 33 that we would be landscape and dust spending the next 18 days with. We set off at 10.15 and after an 8+ hour flight finally landed in devils…” Kenya, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. We experienced our first taste of the African buses and roads on the way to Mililani Backpackers (let's just say that health and safety regulations on Kenyan buses aren’t the same as the UK – suitcases were stacked precariously behind us). We arrived at Milimani which gave us the proper backpackers’ experience with 15 of “Day 3: Day 1 of the us in a room (16 if you include the lizard). With another day of travelling ahead we went to sleep climb. Everyone with the mosquito nets draped around us. excited for the 6 days Day 2: With another day of travelling ahead we set off across the border from Kenya ahead…” (Nairobi) to Tanzania continuing our journey to Moshi where we would be staying. Whilst on the buses we were able to see more of the landscape and dust devils – tornado-like whirlwinds – in the distance. Eventually we reached Moshi and were greeted by the Dig Deep Team. We were shown to our rooms, collected our luggage, and had dinner before our briefing for the climb. In “At that point we final preparation for the next day we packed our bags and had our last shower for 6 days. Trying realized how big the portions were going to get a good night's sleep with a choir practising next door till the early hours of the morning to be and how much was tricky. food we would be Day 3: Day 1 of the climb. Everyone excited for the 6 days ahead, we had breakfast at eating throughout the the hotel, followed by a short bus journey where we were dropped off at the Machame Gates, trip…” the start of our climb. Starting at 1800 m heading up through the cloud and montane forest past the blue monkeys, we made it to the Machame Huts (2835 m). Upon arrival we checked into camp and headed to the tents after our first experience with the Kilimanjaro toilets… (that’s one thing we won't miss). We all then sat around the tables with hot drinks and popcorn while “We then headed for waiting for our dinner. The porters came around with plates and plates stacked with food. At bed on what we now that point we realized how big the portions were going to be and how much food we would be know would be the eating throughout the trip. Soup, pasta, potatoes, chicken and veg, a ‘small portion’ still being a warmest night we heaped plate for two. We then headed for bed on what we now know would be the warmest would spend up night we would spend up Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro. ” Leaves & Leather Page 4

“Walking through the Kilimanjaro capers… moorland the Day 4: Still in high spirits we sta rted day 2 of climb. The 915 m ascent would take us up to Shire vegetation was Cave Camp at 3750 m. Walking through the moorland the vegetation was thinning as we came thinning as we came through the clouds and got a glimpse of the top of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru peak, for the first time through the clouds since we set foot in Africa. Reaching the camp at 3-ish we were able to have a little rest before and got a glimpse of we set off for a short acclimatization walk past the caves reaching a small peak. Here we sat and the top of admired the view, while our bodies adjusted to the altitude, before heading down for an Kilimanjaro…” introduction ceremony for all the porters that were helping us reach our goal of the summit. The ceremony was finished with some songs in Swahili and dancing before sitting down for dinner, which again would be a mountain in itself. Coming out of the tents after dinner we were able to see all the stars very clearly due to the minimal cloud cover above us. After a few moments star “The ceremony was gazing we scurried to our tents for the warmth of our sleeping bags, as well as a good night's finished with some sleep. songs in Swahili and dancing before sitting down for dinner, which again would be a mountain in itself. ”

“Day 5: Acclimatization day. ”

“…we had lunch at a higher altitude than we would camp at so we could slowly get used to the Day 5: Acclimatization day. We took day 3 of our climb a little slower in order to give ourselves altitude and reduce the best chance to acclimatize. Heading to Barrack Camp at 3900 m from Shira Cave Camp we any symptoms of were well above the clouds with very little vegetation around us – apart from some species such altitude sickness. ” as the giant groundsel ( Dendrosenecio kilimanjari ). We stopped for lunch (and the best grilled cheese sandwich) at Lava Tower. At 4600 m – and therefore over 4000 m – we were officially in alpine desert. The walk down to Barranco was steep and plentiful rocks made it a little unstable underfoot. The hike from here consisted of uneven and undulating terrain and we only gained “After dealing with 147 m in altitude from start to finish. At this altitude it starts to have a greater effect on the body, the ‘Kilimanjaro and which is why we had lunch at a higher altitude than we would camp at so we could slowly get traffic’ and passing used to the altitude and reduce any symptoms of altitude sickness. At bedtime at Barranco Camp the ‘kissing rock’ we continued on up to we had such a clear night that we were able to look far below and see Moshi all lit up. Karanga Huts for lunch. ” Day 6: On day 4 of the climb, from Barranco Camp to Barafu Huts. A big part of the day would be scrambling up Barranco Wall, an 843 ft. craggy elevation. After dealing with the ‘Kilimanjaro traffic’ and passing the ‘kissing rock’ we continued on up to Karanga Huts for lunch. Most of us found this our favourite day as the climb was a lot different to the other days and scaling up “The landscape here Baranco proved to be one of the most interesting parts of the trek. The rest of the walk was slow, was much more almost appearing like a moon walk, but our surroundings of alpine desert became a perfect barren than further backdrop for photographs. The landscape here was much more barren than further down the down the mountain; any large boulders were popular when taking a toilet stop. We finally made it to mountain…” Barafu Camp at 4673 m asl which would be our base for the assault on the summit. Leaves & Leather Page 5

The Roof of the World… “Waking up at Day 7: Day 5 of the climb. The hardest day was about to start, summit night. Waking up at midnight nauseous midnight, nauseous after only 2 hours sleep, exhausted and feeling the effects of the high after only 2 hours altitude we started walking at 1 am. Wrapped up in loads of layers with a high visibility jacket and sleep, exhausted head torch we headed off in a line guided by the porters. Temperatures were freezing and any and feeling the exposed water would freeze making most people's water bottles and drinking tubes unusable. effects of the high We continued walking (only stopping to throw up…) up the scree slope until our first break at 4 altitude we started am where we sat and watched the sunrise over Kilimanjaro. We then continued up the dust slope walking at 1 am. ” to Stella Point (5756 m) where we sat and had a short snack break for some much needed energy. We then continued on to the last stretch of the mountain to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro and the Roof of Africa.

This last stretch from Stella to Uhuru would take only 20 minutes to walk if it were at “We have never normal ground level. However the combined effects of extreme altitude, and air pressure being walked so slowly. 40% less than at sea level causing reduced oxygen intake takes its toll and the walk took us over 2 Becoming hours. We have never walked so slowly. Becoming breathless and worn out after 5 steps made it breathless and even more challenging, causing some to stop and head back down while the rest of us continued worn out after 5 to shuffle towards the peak. By 11 am we had made it: All 5895 m of Mount Kilimanjaro. After a steps made it even few summit pics and a little rest, we headed back down after 30mins. Walking back to Barafu more challenging, ” proved just as difficult but was made a lot easier with the help of the porters, arm-in-arm and carrying our bags they helped us down the dune-like slope to camp. We then headed back down from base camp through the sunset (after a quick nap) arriving in the dark at Millennium Camp at 3960 m where we would be spending our last night up Mount Kilimanjaro. Before bed and much needed sleep we sat and ate (while some tried n ot to fall asleep in their food or fall off the stools) “A total of 16 hours and had our last briefing on the next day. A total of 16 hours walking was at last over. walking was at last over. ”

“The trek took us back down through moorland and rainforest (where we actually experienced some Day 8: The 6th and final day of the climb. We had our last bowl of porridge and started rain, the closest the quick descent down the mountain to Mweka Gate (1653 m). The trek took us back down thing we have had through moorland and rainforest (where we actually experienced some rain, the closest thing we to a shower for the have had to a shower for the past week!). The tree canopy was a welcome cover protecting our past week!). ” sunburnt necks and faces from further sun. Nearing the bottom the porters pointed out a troop of white colobus monkeys and their young up in the tops of the trees. We finally reached the end of the climb and were greeted by a Kilimanjaro beer whilst we ate a meal of fish, chips and rice. We then signed out before having a leaving and tipping ceremony for the porters, where we all said ‘asante’ (thank you in Swahili) for their help up the mountain. Knackered after a few of the mountain songs, the Kilimanjaro song and dancing, we got on the busses and headed back to “…hakuna Moshi for a real bed and much needed shower. matata…” Kilimanjaro song: ‘Jambo, jambo Bwana [which, apparently, Habari gani means ‘no Mzuri sana worries’, for the Wgeni, mwakaribishwa rest of your life…] Kilimanjaro, hakuna matata’

Leaves & Leather Page 6 Mountain adventure concluded (for now…) “The next day we would be travelling from Moshi to Tarangire National Park where we would be spending the next 30 hours on safari. ”

“After a quick lunch break we drove around the park spotting elephants, giraffes, wildebeest and ostriches…”

Day 9: The next day we would be travelling from Moshi to Tarangire National Park where we

would be spending the next 30 hours on safari. After a quick lunch break we drove around

the park spotting elephants, giraffes, wildebeest and ostriches among some of the wildlife

known in the area. We were also able to catch our first glimpse of the lions taking shade under some trees. Some of the birds we saw were particularly impressive such as the lilac- breasted roller. We then went to camp for the night where we ate dinner under the stars before having some champagne by the campfire! Getting ready for bed proved interesting “Getting ready for bed when a colony of bats flew out of the toilet block; we went in pairs as there was no barrier proved interesting between you and the animals around you. when a colony of bats flew out of the toilet block...”

Beth Mondon and Rebecca Harris, Year 2 Environmental Science

[Video link for more insights at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlbsXka3l70] Leaves & Leather Page 7

It is a Small World… In March 2016, I, along with Beth Marriott and Amy O’Callaghan, two students from my second year Applied Microbiology module, made the trip to Liverpool to attend the Microbiology Society’s annual conference. This event attracted over 1200 UK and International delegates and is one of Europe’s largest gatherings of microbiologists. We were there specifically to take part in a day-long series of talks and presentations titled ‘Crowdsourcing new antibiotics: Novel approaches.’ This session focussed on a project run by the Microbiology Society that involved students looking for new antibiotics from the soil in both the UK and Ireland. This was part of the Small World Initiative (SWI) ( http://www.smallworldinitiative.org/ ) which originally started in the USA and began in the UK and Ireland in 2015. Bath Spa University was one of the first of six universities in the UK to take part in this research project. As well as hopefully The author and identifying a new antibiotic to help address the rapidly developing global problem of ‘microbial friend’… antibiotic resistance, the aims of the SWI include engaging students in real-world research and enabling them to self-guide their research to a certain extent. The purpose of the day- long session at the Microbiology Society conference was to allow students to present a poster about their research and findings, and for academics to discuss the pedagogy of the project, and evaluate the implementation and educational benefits of self-guided research. I was asked to give a presentation alongside a colleague of mine from The School of Microbiology in University College Cork (UCC), Carmel Shortiss. Both of our universities were “Both of our fortunate to be two of the original universities in Ireland and the UK to implemen t the ‘Small universities were World Initiative’ in their undergraduate teaching curriculum. We incorporated the initiative fortunate to be two of in the penultimate year of a four-year Microbiology degree class at UCC, and into a second the original year Applied Microbiology module at Bath Spa University. Our presentation focused on our universities in Ireland approaches to implementing the Initiative in our respective institutions, our successes and and the UK to difficulties. Student response and engagement with the initiative, and review of any implement the ‘Small preliminary results available were discussed, alongside recommendations for future World Initiative’ in their undergraduate implementation of the Small World Initiative. teaching curriculum.” Alongside this, Beth and Amy prepared a poster to be displayed at the conference outlining their work on the project. Unfortunately, we were let down by the printer (that’s one company I won’t be using again!) which meant the poster was not ready in time for the conference. This was a huge disappointment, but the poster was shared electronically with the Microbiology Society [and watch out for the paper version that should be displayed at Bath Spa University in the near future]. The conference was a huge success and it was valuable to compare notes and share “Laura Murray, one of successes and difficulties with colleagues working on the same project. We are all continuing my current with the project this year having learned from our mistakes last year. Many bacteria that dissertation students, inhibited pathogen growth were isolated; their identification is ongoing to see if they are is testing soils around capable of producing any new and effective antibiotics. Laura Murray, one of my current Bath Spa campus dissertation students, is testing soils around Bath Spa campus and has isolated a number of and has isolated a potential antibiotic producers, and … students in my Applied Microbiology module have number of potential found a number of interesting colonies, so we are keeping our fingers crossed. antibiotic producers…” I will leave the (almost) final words to Beth Marriott and Amy O’Callaghan (now 3 rd year Biology students at Bath Spa University) and their thoughts about attending the conference. I should also thank the Microbiology Society as they paid for Beth and Amy’s travel to the conference and their accommodation. Leaves & Leather Page 8

Small World Initiative concluded… “I loved attending the Annual Beth: In March 2016 I attended the Conference with my friend Amy. Amy: I thoroughly Our main role was to present a poster on the Small World Initiative we Microbiology enjoyed attending the Society Conference had done during our Applied Microbiology module. Unfortunately, Small World and would highly there was a problem with printing and we were not able to present it. Conference. It not recommend it to However, we were still able to attend all the lectures and social events only gave me an in- anyone with an part of the conference. There was a wide range of lectures and depth insight into interest in workshops to attend focusing on all the varying topics within careers in microbiology. ” microbiology including food, environmental and medical issues. The microbiology, but also two particularly interesting lectures for me were on TB and the Zika skills to assist my Virus as I am incredibly interested in clinical microbiology. One of the studies at university. other key lectures we attended was given by Bath Spa’s Iain Haysom, Talking to who talked about the implementation of the Small World Initiative professionals and Programme. I loved attending the Annual Microbiology Society having the Conference and would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest opportunity to ask nd rd in microbiology. Not only did it help my 2 and 3 year modules, it them questions gave has inspired me to look into Clinical Microbiology masters programs. me a huge confidence boost. The trip gave me the drive to work harder in university by showing me what is possible through hard work and “Talking to putting yourself out professionals and there. I would having the definitely recommend opportunity to ask

them questions all students to grab gave me a huge the opportunity. Beth confidence boost. ” and I not only learnt a lot about microbiology and our future goals, but also got to enjoy the beauty of Liverpool and all it has to offer.’

As a final note, if you are interested in “Beth and I not only microbiology and learnt a lot about would like to become microbiology and a student member of what we want in the Microbiology the future but also Society got to enjoy the beauty of Liverpool [http://www.microbi ologysociety.org/ ], and all that it has to offer. ” please contact this article’s author, Iain Haysom (Senior Lecturer in Food Safety). Leaves & Leather Page 9

Juliet (Jules) Reid [BSc. (Hons) Env. Biol., 2012]

What have you done since graduating from Bath Spa? I started full-time work within two weeks of handing in my Dissertation, and am still with the same company. Whilst working I completed a part-time MSc in Biological Recording at Manchester Metropolitan University, and been promoted to …

What is your current job? … Senior Ecologist with John Associates Ltd [http://www.johnsassociates.co.uk/who-we-are/ ]. I conduct protected species surveys, liaise with, and advise, clients in relation to their responsibilities towards wildlife, organise subcontractors, write up reports and survey results, Jules supervising the produce Phase 1 maps on GIS, and anything that my boss asks me to (within reason). translocation of some

mossy stonecrop Typical day in the current job... (Crassula tillea ), a Very varied, but a day in the office normally involves at least one of the following: collating nationally-scarce survey results; analysing bat detector recordings; writing reports; preparing maps for surveys plant, growing on an and site visits for the next few days. A day (or night) on site will normally involve an early start to old concrete footpath . drive to the site, then a day walking around the site doing any of a million different tasks: catching reptiles as part of a translocation exercise; surveying for bats; checking and clearing vegetation in preparation for construction work to start; carrying out a great crested newt HSI [Habitat Suitability Index] assessment of ponds; checking trees for nesting birds; discussing development plans with clients; rummaging around in the undergrowth doing a badger survey…

Most favourite part of your current job? Working outdoors doing surveys, especially when the weather’s good, and getting to see lots of amazing parts of the country that I might not otherwise visit.

… least favourite part? Persuading construction workers to do a job differently to their normal practice in order to protect wildlife, e.g. careful dismantling of potential reptile refugium rather than their normal bulldozing of it.

How did your course at Bath Spa help to prepare you for employment? Heath orchid… It gave me a great grounding across a wide range of skills that are needed within my job, from using GIS, writing Ecological Impact Assessments, and understanding the legislation that protects species and habitats.

Best memory of your time at Bath Spa? The field trips to the Isle of Purbeck [Ecology] and Pembrokeshire [Marine Biology], etc., when it always seemed to rain specially for my year group.

Top advice for current Bath Spa Biologists/Environmental Scientists? Get some work or voluntary experience every chance you get. It will help you to decide what you do, or just as importantly what you don’t want to do, once you finish your degree. Also, it will give you a big boost when it comes to finding a job by making contacts with local employers, wildlife trusts, etc., giving you practical experience and skills, e.g. survey skills. And it will make “adder – found you more employable as well, especially if you are able to start working towards an EPS whilst surveying…” [European Protected Species] licence. Leaves & Leather Page 10

Quarry Life meets university life… “Choosing a rd Dissertation topic in Choosing a Dissertation topic in June 2016 for my 3 year was difficult, but the topic of quarry June 2016 for my 3 rd restoration caught my eye. Quarry restoration is where a quarry – or parts of it – is enhanced to year was difficult, but provide an appealing habitat for flora, fauna and the public. Batts Coombe Quarry was the site the topic of quarry in question; a large limestone quarry in the Mendips, near Cheddar (Somerset). My project restoration caught my involved surveying grassland species, something that should be conducted in the eye ” spring/summer months – i.e. during the long holiday between my 2 nd and 3 rd years – whilst the grass is in flower, to allow easier identification.

Coincidentally, my Dissertation field work was going to take place at the same time as the Quarry Life Award [see Tom Bell’s item in Issue 21 of the newsletter], so I worked on both projects at the same time. The Quarry Life Award [http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/ ] is an “For the Award, Bath international research project and aims to raise awareness of the biological value of mining Spa University were sites and find new ways of further enhancing it. For the Award, Bath Spa University were evaluating the use of evaluating the use of drones as an accurate, efficient and safe vegetation survey method. I was drones as an accurate, efficient and really excited to be involved with this project as it was very up-to-date and featured a new area safe vegetation of research that had not yet been investigated – and tied in well with my own Dissertation survey method. ” project.

Towards the end of June we set off to the Quarry for our first day of work. We had an introductory meeting with the site manager – who also provided us with orange overalls. We visited the quarry ‘bench’ that we would be working on and began our surveying.

“We started with traditional surveying techniques on the bench…”

Left: Batts Combe quarry benches overlooking surrounding towns and villages. Right: Team photo taken on the quarry bench by the drone. “Overall, this project was fantastic and We started with traditional surveying techniques on the bench, using a 2mx2m quadrat, provided me with identifying and noting plant species within it. We repeated this five times along the bench and great experience and then flew the drone across the bench to record footage. These images were later used to skills…” identify the species present. Two further sites – a meadow and a restored tipping point – were used to further support the research. I also collected data for my dissertation research.

Overall, this project was fantastic and provided me with great experience and skills for the future (as well as data for my Dissertation). Drones are becoming increasingly used, including in “congratulations to environmental science research, so it was great to be involved with a project that could make a the team who won the difference to the way they are utilised in future ecological research. Finally, congratulations to National 3 rd place the team who won the National 3 rd place prize! prize! ” Rozy Gray, Year 3 Environmental Science Leaves & Leather Page 11

Mexican adventure: From the top to the bottom… “Even though it was After the jungle ‘experience’ [see my article in Issue 21], the mov e to Akumal seemed like it lovely to have would be moving to civilization. However, many of my group found it more difficult due to the proper beds back, greater number of people (around 80) and the longer working days. Even though it was lovely to we missed bucket have proper beds back, we missed bucket showers! ( never did I think I would say those words). showers!” The first week in Akumal was the most taxing as we had to acclimatize again to the hot sun (the jungle was all shaded) and 16 hour non-stop days! Those of us who could already dive went diving twice a day, and 4 ½ hours of lectures on top of that. The lectures were a series of “The first week in fish, coral and invertebrate identification sessions which we were then tested on. These were Akumal was the important to identify what we were looking at on dives and record species we saw along most taxing as we transects. We also had lectures on coral-bleaching, why coral was important to the ecosystems, had to acclimatize what was being done to prevent further damage to corals marine life, sea grass, and mangroves. again to the hot sun (the jungle was all shaded) and 16 hour non-stop days! ”

“The diving in Akumal was incredible! There was great visibility and the water was 33°C…”

“The research we were carrying out Akumal beach at 7 am. was into species

diversity of corals The diving in Akumal was incredible! There was great visibility and the water was 33°C and fish as well as for the first week (great for humans to dive in, but not great for corals who only survive in sea urchin temperatures between 22°C and 29°C!). Regardless of whether the dive was to 8 m or 18 m, abundance. ” there was always a large diversity and abundance of fish and coral species. One of the sites, Shark Cave, was home to a large lobster nest. You couldn’t move for lobsters around the reefs. The research we were carrying out was into species diversity of corals and fish as well a s sea urchin abundance. These surveys were carried out over a 50 m transect. The first person in “Other urchins such the transect would swim along the tape measure and record damsel fish, parrot fish, sturgeon as the slate pencil fish or butterfly fish that crossed the transect. The second perso n would swim along and look for sea urchin and the sea urchins, specifically, long-spined sea urchin ( Diadema antillarium ), and record size and the Indian sea egg were percentage that was hidden. Other urchins such as the slate pencil sea urchin and the Indian sea also recorded. ” egg were also recorded. Sea urchins are a sign of good health of a coral reef. They also remove large amounts of algae which can grow on corals and prevent the coral’s ability to photosynthesise. The third person would record the benthic [sea-bed] findings. This meant at As a fairly new diver every 50 cm point along the 50 m transect whatever was found e.g. coral, algae, rock, dead transects could be coral, was recorded. The final person recorded any juvenile corals (those under 4 cm in difficult as I spent diameter) found. Recording juvenile corals should give some indication as to whether the reefs the whole transect are recovering, and at what rate. As a fairly new diver, transects could be difficult as I spent the upside down…“ whole transect upside down and – for the last two weeks – battle with the current as well. Leaves & Leather Page 12

… with some sea grasses (just for Nigel..?)

“During the last During the last week we were hi t by Hurricane Earl. Although we were not badly hit, all dives week we were hit by were cancelled for three days. When we tried to go out, dives had to be aborted due to Hurricane Earl.” extremely strong currents and lightning. Although scary, while trying to do a survey on Acropora corals for Jenny Mallon (a British scientist studying the development and repopulation of Acropora sp.), the current moved us rapidly first in one direction then another; trying to keep in a straight line transect was difficult – but quite amusing.

“Between dives we participated in sea grass quadrats”

Left: diving in Akumal [photo by Abigail Robinson] “I learnt many field Right: the author at Transect 3, Dos Nac next to Aguada. skills and conducting transects Between dives we participated in sea grass quadrats which involved placing 1m² quadrats at underwater was a specific GPS points (difficult in a sea with a strong current) and identifying species within the unique and exciting quadrat. There are three species of sea grass at Akumal: Thalassia testudinum (which the experience.” turtles prefer to feed on), Syringodium filiforme and Halodule wrightii. These results are

needed to estimate the impact turtles are having on the sea grass, and whether the large populations of turtles and diminishing sea grass population will have dire effects on turtle populations.

From my experience, I learnt many field skills and conducting transects underwater was a unique and exciting experience. I feel more confident with my diving than when I began, especially in harsh conditions such as in rough waters before and after a hurricane. I would “Overall, working with like to be able to go back to Mexico and continue to work with Jenny on Acropora mapping Operation Wallacea and development. I would also like to go back into the jungle and continue the research has been amazing, being carried out there, or in another part of the world. and educational, and I will take away Overall, working with Operation Wallacea (Opwall – http://opwall.com/ ) has been amazing, knowledge and and educational, and I will take away knowledge and memories I will never forget. memories I will never forget.” Annabelle Caley, Year 3 Biology, Philosophy and Ethics

Leaves & Leather Page 13 My summer on Rum… In July, 2016 I travelled to the Isle of Rum for two weeks to volunteer in their regeneration project. “Rum is an With an area of only 104.6 km², Rum is one of the Small Isles of the Inner Hebrides in the Scottish extremely rural district of Lochaber. It is an extremely rural island, with a current population of around 30 people. island, with a The Isle of Rum has been a National Nature Reserve since 1957 and is now managed by Scottish current population Natural Heritage ( www.snh.gov.uk ). Rum is multiply classified as: a National Scenic Area; Special of around 30 – Protection Area for birds; Site of Special Scientific Interest; and a Special Area of Conservation. people.”

The Fauna of Rum

The Island holds one of the world’s largest known colonies of Manx shearwaters, was used as a site for the introduction of the white-tailed eagle, and has over 900 red deer. Many of these deer are part of a long-term research project based in Kilmory, which started in 1972. Led by Tim Clutton-Brock (Zoology, Cambridge), the programme has been useful in providing information concerning behaviour, population, reproduction and genetics. Golden and white-tailed eagles and red- throated divers are observed regularly over Loch Scresort and over many hill lochs situated on the Island. Groups of otters can often be seen playing by the ferry terminal. Many seabird species – e.g. guillemots, kittiwakes and shags – utilise the Bottle-nosed island’s cliffs as breeding sites. Rum is also home to Highland ponies, feral goats and dolphin. wild cattle. During boat trips many cetaceans have been observed, e. g. Minke whales, pods of bottle-nosed dolphins and orcas. Rarer species have also been recorded such as Risso’s dolphin, Atlantic white-sided dolphin and humpback whale. During local underwater surveys, around 100 endangered fan mussels have been found. The “Rarer species protection of the Rum is crucial for maintaining and conserving these animal species. have also been recorded such as Risso’s dolphin, Atlantic white- sided dolphin and humpback whale. ”

“Around 389 native Left: Robin Bruce (fellow BSU student) on Coire Dubh angiosperm Right: Climbing Coire Dubh species have The Flora of Rum been recorded on Around 389 native angiosperm species have been recorded on the island including the island” many common species of heath and orchid. In more rugged, mountainous or coastal habitats some nationally important angiosperms can be found such as field gentian, arctic sandwort, wood bitter-vetch and alpine penny-cress. There is a wide variety of “The waters ferns and bryophytes on the island including greater fork-moss, tree lungwort and surrounding Rum maidenhair spleenwort. Rare species found on the reserve include the nationally-rare are home to black-tufted moss and the Skye bog-moss which is only located on the Isles of Rum, diverse habitats Harris and Skye. Around 900 species of fungi have been recorded here, including 25 such as kelp species of waxcap and internationally-scarce species such as violet coral and olive forests that earthtongue. The waters surrounding Rum are home to diverse habitats such as kelp support many forests that support many organisms. It is important that the diversity of habitats organisms.” found on Rum is conserved as many organisms are dependent on them for survival. Leaves & Leather Page 14

Rum’s gone… Volunteering “My main roles as My main roles as a volunteer for the regeneration project were to cut back a volunteer for vegetation, assist in tourist activities such as wildlife walks, build rivers to reduce the regeneration flooding across the community areas of the island, and burn invasive project were to rhododendrons. The regeneration project aimed to maintain biodiversity by cut back removing/controlling vegetation, improve the area for the community, and vegetation … and burn invasive encourage increased tourism – and therefore income – to the island. rhododendrons.”

“Taking part in the project has allowed me to apply conservation principles in a practical and professional context.”

Red deer in Kilmory Beach

A reflection on Rum

Regeneration projects such as this are crucial in maintaining the large variety of

fauna and flora and unique scenery found on the Isle of Rum. Taking part in the project has allowed me to apply conservation principles in a practical and “And further professional context. It has also given me insight into the hard work and dedication thanks to Trudi required to preserve unique and biodiverse locations. Clarke, Rum Ranger, for being A special thank you to the Isle of Rum Community Trust for the opportunity to take so generous and part in this project and for providing me with an unforgettable experience. And welcoming.” further thanks to Trudi Clarke, Rum Ranger, for being so generous and welcoming.

Lucinda West, Year 3 Biology

Wise words – with plants… “A passionate look, touch or a hug on a plant is enough to open your inner eyes than going for a serious yoga and other therapies”, Karthikeyan V

“Flower will not grow, if the stem doesn't allow”, Nayreil

“Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants”, Michael Pollan

“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness”, John Muir

[From: http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/plants ] Leaves & Leather Page 15

Amy Stewart [ BSc . (Hons) Biology, 201 6] What have you done since graduating? I initially thought that I would continue in education and study for a Masters as soon as possible. But, after travelling around Italy for a month after graduation, I decided it may be more beneficial to get more experience in the career area I wanted to work in. This would also allow me to decide if the lab environment was really for me – as well as save up for when I actually did go back to University. So, I decided to defer my offer of a Masters in Biotechnology at the University of York for a year. I continued working at the part-time job I had whilst at Bath Spa and began hunting for a full-time job working within a laboratory. After a few interviews and a lot of applications I was offered my current job.

What is your current job? I am a laboratory technician at Medical Wire Ltd (a medical equipment and supply company – www.mwe.co.uk ). This primarily involves working within the quality control and quality assurance department, making sure the products we sell work as they should and meet all specifications as required by the customers.

Typical day in the current job... A typical day starts at 7.00 with collection and sorting of samples that need testing. Then, dependent on the types of samples we receive, we complete both performance and integrity “So, I de cided to defer testing. This involves ensuring the products work with the types of bacteria that they may my offer of a Masters come into contact with when used by the customer. This includes products for bacteria such in Biotechnology at as Listeria, Salmonella and coliform bacteria (typified by E. coli ). This usually means inoculating the University of York for a year.” the samples and plating out onto agar, and incubating for results to be read later. In the afternoon we read plates for tests conducted previously; if they pass we release them for sale.

The work also includes some research where we create new products for a customer or for specific bacteria testing. More recently this has been focused on the creation of a “One thing that I really medium that only meningitis can grow within. This means that when a patient has a sample loved was the taken, the meningitis bacteria can survive long enough for testing to be completed and atmosphere within the without contamination from other bacteria. department [at Bath Spa]” Most favourite part of your current job? Being able to apply knowledge and techniques learnt at university, particularly those from the Applied Microbiology module I took in my second year. Also the company has a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere, which made the first few weeks a lot less unnerving. Top advice for current Bath Spa … least favourite part? Biologists/Environm Having to wake up at 5 o’clock in the morning to get to work on time. Even after 3 months it ental Scientists? hasn’t gotten any easier, and it actually makes me miss 9 o’clock lectures at university. “Make the most of the free time that you have, get work How did your course at Bath Spa help to prepare you for employment? experience if you can My degree has certainly prepared me for employment by giving me not just the knowledge, as this is the best but also the organisation and time-keeping skills that are required in most job roles. More time to do it. It will specifically, the Applied Microbiology module was very useful for my current job, as aseptic also make the technique and gram-staining tests are now a part of everyday work. decisions on what to do after graduation so Best memory of your time at Bath Spa? much easier. Also

One thing that I really loved was the atmosphere within the department. Everyone, both start your dissertation fellow students and staff, were always willing to help with whatever problems or questions as soon as you can, it you had. Knowing that the support was there if you need it is very comforting when you have will save a lot of a lot of assignments to complete. stress later on.” Leaves & Leather Page 16

Placement week at Countess of Chester Hospital “…shadowing Dr For my Work Experience module placement last August , I was lucky enough to spend a week at Gian Abbot, one of Countess of Chester Hospital [ http://www.coch.nhs.uk/working-with-us.aspx ] shadowing Dr Gian the consultant Abbot, one of the consultant radiologists there. This was an incredible opportunity to observe some radiologists there.” of the procedures that occur from day to day in the hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital, I was met by Dr Abbot, who introduced to the team who were all very friendly. My first day was spent observing ultrasound scans; no babies were seen, but plenty of images of livers, thyroid glands, testes, and one “Doctors often have of the tongue. Ultrasound scans of livers are often used as a preliminary examination for a biopsy, very long and varied although a biopsy can also be performed during the scan as the imaging helps guide the needle. I also hours; however, my days began at 8 am observed pleural aspirations – ultrasound was used to image the area with the largest fluid build-up. and finished at 5 Doctors often have very long and varied hours; however, my days began at 8 am and finished pm.” at 5 pm. My second day was spent in the ER observing X-rays, not very exciting as the only things I saw were broken, fractured or dislocated bones. But, on day 3 I spent the morning with a consultant cardiologist looking at CT scans, something I’d never observed before. The imaging was incredibly “As interventional detailed and the cardiologist was very helpful in explaining what the images showed, starting with the radiology often uses main aspects of human anatomy. Some heavy calcification of the aortic valve was observed which radiation for leads to stenosis. Depending on the degree of stenosis, this can lead to restricted blood flow, and contrast, I was not calcification in the heart can also occur on the LAD (left anterior descending artery) and the LCA (Left allowed in the coronary artery). I then spent the afternoon observing CT colonographies; contrast is given to the theatre for a lot of patient, which allows the inside of the colon to be imaged in multiple planes. The images obtained procedures from a can then be used to construct a 3D image of the interior of the colon, and is most commonly used to radiation-safety look for polyps in the colon. point of view.” As Dr Abbot was based mainly in the interventional radiology theatre, this is where I spent most of the week. Interventional radiology uses radiological imaging in minimally-invasive procedures

such as lumbar punctures, pleural aspirations, and thrombolysis procedures. As interventional radiology often uses radiation for contrast, I was not allowed in the theatre for a lot of procedures from a radiation-safety point of view. I did, however, have a clear view from the observation room. My time at the Countess was not restricted to one department. Towards the end of the week I was introduced to the nuclear medicine department where I observed procedures such as nuclear stress tests in which blood flow into the heart is measured during a rest state and during a state of stress, which is often initiated chemically or by doing exercise. I also observed and reviewed images from metastases disease in which a cancer has spread throughout the majority of the body. These images are created using single photon emission tomography or positron emission tomography. All-in-all, my week at the hospital was very varied, I visited many departments and observed countless procedures, including being in the pathology lab., and I was lucky enough to scrub-on and Dr Ian Todd spend the last morning in the operating theatre. I thoroughly enjoyed my week shadowing at the [pictured because Countess of Chester hospital and I encourage anyone who is interested in medicine to also try and do we couldn’t find one this as it provides a fantastic insight into how the hospital operates. I’d also like to thank Drs of Ben – but its Samantha Lane and Nigel Chaffey for their references that helped me secure this placement. inclusion here is

justified on the grounds that Ian Ben Jones, Year 2 Human Biology claims he went to Chester – once…] Wise words – with animals… “If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans”, James Herriot

“You think those dogs will not be in heaven! I tell you they will be there long before any of us”, Robert Louis Stevenson [from: https://www.buzzfeed.com/alanamassey/animals-quotes-to-make-you- human?utm_term=.nadVvdXDL#.ufYqb1ZGv ] Leaves & Leather Page 17

Leaves & Leather A week in the Lake District “we arrived at Last October, I attended the Advanced Geographical Fieldwork Module ’s Lake District fieldtrip . Blencathra Field Along with 14 Geographers, Lecturers Drs Dave Simm and Andy Skellern, and Derek Beard Centre, our base.” providing technical support, Rozy Gray and I were the Environmental Science students. rd On Sunday 23 , after a 7-hour minibus journey, we arrived at Blencathra Field Centre, our base. An introductory lecture about the geological and glacial history of the Lake District th provided the background to the trip’s fieldwork. On the 24 , the first full day, we set off early “Later that day we for Glenridding. There we walked up the valley to an old mining area, where Dave spoke about visited Storm Desmond, whose impacts were visible around and about the area. After midday, we Cockermouth, travelled across Ullswater on a boat, which was very scenic, cold and sunny. After this we went learning about the on a minibus tour, which including a sheltered waterfall, to learn more of the local geology. 2009 flood, whose Later that day we visited Cockermouth, learning about the 2009 flood, whose floodlines floodlines were were marked out around the town in many places. We later toured the town’s brewery, seeing marked out around live fermentation and learning about beer and ale production. Afterwards we enjoyed a pie the town in many dinner and access to unlimited free beverages . Back at the centre the low light pollution places.” enabled star-gazing to a very high level under the clear skies.

“We later toured the town’s brewery, seeing live fermentation and learning about beer and ale production.”

“Derek and Andy also did some Next day saw groups getting in practice with the Total Stations ahead of Andy’s project. demos of drone- With Ryan Bedford and Emma Jakins, Rozy and I were part of the GPS group for data collection. flying and took Derek and Andy also did some demos of drone-flying and took camera images around the camera images centre. After Dave’s briefing on his next day’s glacial reconstruction project, we spent a couple around the centre. ” of hours in Keswick enjoying social time with the rest of our group. We looked over Derwent

Water, just outside town, before returning to the centre. After dinner we watched a “The final full day in documentary about climbing Blencathra and Helvellyn peaks featuring TV’s Julia Bradbury. th the Lake District On the 26 my fieldwork properly got underway, with Dave’s glacier project in the small was for Andy’s valley of Pasture Beck. We drew and traced glacial features we could see from the maps and a project, where the view of the valley, starting at the top then working down through the day. We returned to the groups mapped out centre and analysed our data, before chilling out for the rest of the evening, including watching a small section of the Bake Off final in the large lounge. Pasture Beck…” The final full day in the Lake District was for Andy’s project, where the groups mapped out a small section of Pasture Beck in greater detail than Dave’s project, using Total Stations and the GPS crew. The weather on this day was the worst of the trip, as a very strong wind, “If, you do which was funnelled down the valley, made keeping the Total Stations still rather tricky. Environmental Nonetheless the GPS crew ran around all over the valley side collecting many points and in a Science, are a fan way saved the project from having insufficient data. After analysing the data, and after dinner, of great scenery, we celebrated the trip’s successful completion at the local pub in the village of Threlkeld until outdoor fieldwork, 11.30, before walking back to the centre in high-vis vests up the dark country lane. social time and Overall I really enjoyed the trip, which saw plenty of down time away from the work drinking (but not too much), this is and social bonding with the whole group. definitely a trip I recommend. ” Bradley Whitaker, Year 3 Environmental Science Leaves & Leather Page 18

Ian Nicholls [BSc. (Hons) Biology, 2012]

What have you done since gr aduating from Bath Spa? I spent about a year after graduating working part-time and spending some time on myself. After that I guess I got pretty lucky. I applied for a handful of jobs and managed to land a temporary position working in a lab for Public Health England, not too far up the road from me, at Porton Down. That temporary position became permanent and I have since been promoted.

What is your current job? I am a Healthcare Scientist Practitioner at the Food, Water and Environmental Laboratory. My role involves performing routine lab screening on a wide variety of samples from all over the south of England from testing the sterility of hospital equipment to screening typical food samples for “I have had the so microbiological safety indicators. far seen behind the scenes in surgical Typical day in the current job... theatres, cruise Most days on arrival at work I assist in general housekeeping to set up for the day. To start the day ships, farms, I check the LIMS [Laboratory Information Management System] to see which culture media is dairies, food reaching the end of its incubation period and check for any bacterial colonies. Any presumptive production lines, and even a dog colonies are confirmed either by various biochemical techniques (API strips, subculture etc.) or by swimming pool!” molecular identification such as MALDI-ToF [Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight mass spectrometry] or PCR [Polymerase Chain Reaction]. I then report any failures or interesting results to the clients who submitted the sample and offer any remedial advice.

Most favourite part of your current job? “Large quantities of The large scope of samples we receive leads to opportunities to venture out into the field. I have bacteria generate so far seen behind the scenes in surgical theatres, cruise ships, farms, dairies, food production some awful smells!” lines, and even a dog swimming pool!

… least favourite part? The smell. Large quantities of bacteria generate some awful smells!

“It’s a competitive How did your course at Bath Spa help to prepare you for employment? job market out The course gave me an excellent foundation of knowledge in biology, valuable training in writing there, it might sound technique and some valuable experience in GLP [Good Laboratory Practice] and general like a cliché at this techniques, without which I wouldn’t have this job. I also have Ian, Nigel and Dave to thank for my point but any work experience and crash course in writing and referencing! Recently, my ability to write scientifically was tested when volunteer work can I was required to write a report in order to apply for an extension to scope (a change in standard give you the edge.” testing method) with UKAS [United Kingdom Accreditation Service].

Best memory of your time at Bath Spa? I’d have to say one particular overnight stay… I think it was the Isle of Purbeck Ecology residential field trip. We were all bundled into the “bar”, had a couple of ciders to warm us on a cold winter’s “Science is an ever- night, while we entertained ourselves with giant Jenga, and Nigel’s ‘stories’! changing playing field, never stop Top advice for current Bath Spa Biologists/Environmental Scientists? learning.” Science is an ever-changing playing field, never stop learning. I personally like to use MOOCs [Massive Open On-line Courses] to fill the gaps where I can (e.g. www.futurelearn.com ). It’s a competitive job market out there. It might sound like a cliché at this point, but any work experience and volunteer work can give you the edge. Leaves & Leather Page 19

Himalayan highlights… As part of the second year Geographical Fieldwork module, myself and 22 other students spent two weeks in India, undertaking detailed field investigations of the diverse social and natural landscapes in the foothills of the Himalayas. The trip began after we arrived in New Delhi. After meeting our Bath Spa tutors Drs Rich Johnson and Esther Edwards at the airport, we headed straight out of the city, taking in our first experience of India. It was an exciting drive through the Punjab plains to a town named Chandigarh; we arrived completely exhausted but ready for the trip ahead. Next morning we got back on the coach to head to Kalka to catch the historical train to Shimla. That train was exceptionally slow, but it was a fantastic experience, taking us through some stunning landscapes and our first experience of the Himalayas. A familiar face on That evening, after hours on the train, we arrive d in Shimla, by far my favourite place the train to of the trip (photo below left). Shimla was once the summer capital of the British Raj and the Shimla..? buildings and architecture reflected that. That, and the fact that Shimla is strung out along a 12 km ridge, with steep forested hillsides falling away in all directions, made it an absolutely stunning city to explore.

“Shimla, by far my favourite place of the trip, is strung out along a 12km ridge, with steep forested hillsides falling away in all directions made it an absolutely stunning city to explore.”

Our first full day in Shimla involved visiting the Viceregal Lodge (above right), the summer residence of the Indian Viceroy at the time of British rule, then visiting Himachal Pradesh University. This was a chance to meet the students and learn about their research, but most “Shimla was once the importantly we got to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between our two universities, summer capital of the British Raj…” a momentous event that even made the local news!

“we got to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between our two universities, a momentous event that even made the local news!”

Left: fieldwork in the Himalayas Right: a village in the hills… Leaves & Leather Page 20

Indian fieldwork concluded… “. But it wasn’t all After our time in Shimla, we headed deeper into the Himalayas to Manali. Here we could see the work and we had a snow-capped tops of the mountains and a much rockier landscape. Although we stayed in the day off being able to main town of Manali, we explored smaller villages set amongst steep mountain sides, one of enjoy a hike through which was called Phojal, where we did our fieldwork. One aspect of the fieldwork was going the mountains .” around the village and talking to people – with a translator – and asking them about how they used technology such as mobile phones and internet to combat natural disasters. All the people

were very friendly and happy to talk. The other aspect of the fieldwork involved looking at “The other aspect of hydrology and how to reconstruct a flood. Most of what I remember doing though was clearing the fieldwork involved looking at hydrology scrub in the mountains, or “gardening” as Rich liked to put it. But it wasn’t all work, we had a and how to day off to take a hike through the mountains before exploring Manali markets. The hike and the reconstruct a flood. ” markets were great fun and a wonderful way to enjoy the area.

Sadly, our time in the mountains came to an end. We left the mountains on a grey and rainy day with the clouds low to arrive many hours later on the Punjab plains where it was hot (somewhere around 35°C). Here the landscape is as flat as far as you could see, with no “I found it exhilarating; mountains in sight. However, the drive back to the Punjab, and indeed all of the driving around others found it the mountains, was pretty intense. Imagine speeding up the drive to Newton Park while it’s stomach-turning. ” packed with other cars and cows, and with cliffs either side. I found it exhilarating; others found it stomach-turning.

After a night in the city of Ludhiana we set off to Sahauli, a small village in the Punjab. Although the Punjab is very flat, it is known as the breadbasket of India due to the amount of crops it is “Although the Punjab able to produce. Here we visited a local school where the children showed us around the village is very flat, it is known (below left) and we were able to talk to local farmers about the issues they face with farming. as the breadbasket of India due to the amount of crops it is able to produce. ”

“So, big thanks to Rich and Esther for organising the trip and coming with us. ”

As we said goodbye to Sahauli, we headed back to Delhi and the airport to go home after a brilliant trip. I cannot wait to go back to India and experience more of its culture. So, big thanks to Rich and Esther for organising the trip and coming with us. I would really recommend the module to any first years thinking about it.

Maisie Worthington, Year 3 Environmental Science

Back issues of Leaves & Leather With the revamping of the BSU website, past issues of this newsletter can now be found at http://thehub.bathspa.ac.uk/schools/newsletters (under Science, Enterprise and Environment). Happy browsing! Leaves & Leather Page 21

Luke Harrison [BSc. (Hons) Env. Science, 2015] What have you done since graduating from Bath Spa? TheAfter pressure graduating of ever I worked-looming for Bathdeadlines, Spa in be the they Sustai fornability a paper, Department, a presentat ionwhere or an I developed exam, resultscommunication in many studentsstrategies, becoming organised reliant engagement upon the events ‘on-the-go’ to improve ease ofthe the sustainability coffee shop ethos cultureof the university, which took and the engaged western staff world and by students storm throug on topicsh the from 21 st Century.recycling Bath to sustainable city centre transport.alone has: But,2 Costas, I couldn’t 2 Starbucks, stay at Bath 2 Café Spa Nero’s, forever; a Prêt after-A-Manger, a year I was as offeredwell as multitudea fantastic of opportunityindependent at stores … catering for the city’s population. Bath Spa University’s Newton Park campus is its own little hub within the world’s coffee culture, with 5 outlets on-site – WhatStarbucks, is your The current Refectory, job? East Wing Café, the Students’ Union (SU) and vending machines. …The Resourceful nature of thisEarth ‘on-the-go’ (Keynsham), culture established leads to to high develop volumes a renewable of waste production energy power which station, can usingseverely food dent waste the togreen create ethos energy desired through by the anaerobic universit dy.igestion This leads (AD). to ADthe basically question, turns What the can foodbe done we throwabout allinto this our extra food waste waste we bins are at sending home into to t ehelectricity landfill andat our heat own – amazingcost? isn’t it!? Once operational, the AD facility will offset the greenhouse gas emissions of our nearest town,When Keynshamserved a beverage, (the equivalent it is important of approximately to remember 100, t000hat ittonnes is not ofjust CO a2 cupeach that year). a customer We will takesprovide away electricity with them: for 80% They of get the a homes cup, a plasticin the town lid (and and potentially a similar amount a cardboard of heat. heat sleeve), and a spoon or stirrer. Although the cup may appear recyclable from the outside, its inner layerSo, what is coated do you with do? a polymer, which means that the cup is not recyclable. Whilst the extra Icomponents am currently are learning recyclable everything within theabout BSU the waste busine managess: understandingment system, the a keyscience question and maths is behindwhether our the business consumer claims; will invest how to the win time those to separateimportant the contracts; recyclable how parts to makefrom thesure non- we don’t cause pollution; and how to communicate the promises we make to our customers, recyclable components. A quick calculation shows that if every student and member of staff and to our staff, so that they know how to fulfil them. As part of our commitment to not were to purchase one beverage a day, without using their own cup, 8,333 cups would be sent We are advised – by cause pollution, I am researching and assembling our “odour management plan”. For this I to landfill – with a total weight of approx.. 344 kg – daily . Consequently, an academic year of his lawyers – that am33 weeks investigating – 231 days the anaerobic– at maximum digestion output process, would assessbe 1,9ing24,923 which cups elements weighing have almost the 80,000 Luke is NOT flanked potentialkg (80 tons!!!) to generate deposited odour into and landfill. identifying Although those these that calculations require mitigation are based or contingencyon the daily by two security extremes,measures becausethis exercise we can’t illustrates have athe smelly enormity site! Theof t heothe issuer aspect that couldof my potentiallyjob revolves be around guards and being presentededucation; towhether BSU. that is to staff, customers or the community. I support the development ‘escorted off’ of some of our education programme to teach schools, colleges, universities and other groups about unknown premises… Throughhow we can,a campus-wide with the right survey technology, of both staffharness and natura studenl processests it was revealed (decomposition) that less thanto 35% ofgenerate the population power (anaerobic was aware digestion). of the non-recyclability of the paper cup, and that most purchase a take-away drink on campus between 2 and 4 times a week. It also showed that StarbucksTypical day was in thethe currentmost popular job... outlet used on campus. From speaking to the SU and “I support the StarbucksMost days regarding I am based the in salesour temporary figures, it isportakabin apparent untithatl combinedthe permanent they usedoffice roughly has been 12,000 built development of our education cupsin about a month, a year’s which time. would The 10 be hectare approximately site is curren 100,000tly underper academic construction year. withThis wouldheavy suggest programme” thatmachinery in order rolling to resolve past our the door recycling all the conundrum time and mu thed, focus lots of would mud. need As well to beas office-basedcampus-wide. research and writing, I go out on site to collect information, find out how we do (or will do) Suggested ways of solving the issue include: composting, customers using their own reusable mug,things and and the give addition tours to of visitors. a charge I also for avisit disposable other facilities cup (to to offset learn the from landfill them. costs). When I first arrived, I manned the front desk, greeting visitors and contractors bringing in waste, logging “As well as office- their loads into the system and generally being the face of the company. Two new of Kirstie Thistlethwaite, year 3 Environmental Science based research and members of staff have since joined the team and have taken on this responsibility. writing, I go out on [Ed. – this was a project undertaken as an assignment to for the environmental sustainability site to collect componentMost favourite of the part second of your year current Environmental job? Science core module and information,” It is great to work as part of a team to create a facility that will have such a positive impact on climate change. I am also looking forward to seeing the education programme develop which I can hopefully teach others about too! “It is great to work as … least favourite part? part of a team to Probably how cold the office gets. We have grown so fast that we need more electricity than create a facility that the existing mains can supply. This will change once the new office has been built and uses will have such a green heat and electricity we generate! positive impact on climate change.” Leaves & Leather Page 22

Luke’s biography concluded…

How did your course at Bath Spa help to prepare you for employment? “The course [Env. The Environmental Science course helped me get my first job in Bath Spa University’s Sci. at Bath Spa] provided me with a Sustainability Department, which in turn got me my current job. The course provided me with good understanding a good understanding of sustainability and climate change which I still draw on today. As well of sustainability and as the knowledge, the course improved my everyday skills so I’m able to critically analyse climate change which work and data, give clear presentations, and write reports in an effective and professional I still draw on today. ” manner. The list could go on and on!

Best memory of your time at Bath Spa? There are so many it’s hard to choose! But, one of my best experiences was helping Nicholas “one of my best Pearson Associates (the conservation contractor for the University) conduct a Great Crested experiences [of Bath Newt translocation from the old pond site in the Walled Garden, to the new ponds built Spa] was helping specially up the top end of campus. It was fascinating to get up close to these highly protected Nicholas Pearson amphibians and have an active part in their conservation. Associates conduct a Great Crested Newt Top advice for current Bath Spa Biologists/Environmental Scientists? translocation from the First, the real world is complex and whatever your area of specialisation is, take advantage of old pond site in the all the knowledge and skills university gives you to set yourself up for life post-graduation. Walled Garden ” Second, try and get as much relevant volunteering experience in your areas of interest – before you leave. This will help you to apply your knowledge learnt in the classroom to the workplace, giving you that head start over others who may not have had the same experience. “try and get as much Finally, take up any exciting opportunity that is presented to you and get yourself out there! relevant volunteering By working, volunteering and networking, the right job will come along for you. experience in your areas of interest Job opportunities before you leave. ” Resourceful Earth will be looking for enthusiastic work-experience students and volunteers soon. If you would like to come and get involved don’t hesitate to contact me: [email protected]

The teary tale of the barnacle and the bacterium

Investigating sandstone blocks on the coast of Victoria (SE Australia), John Buckeridge and William Newman [ http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1749-4877.12244/abstract ] have uncovered what appears to be the first record of mutualistic symbiosis between a ‘higher invertebrate’ and cyanobacteria. The rock features, which have the appearance of crying eyes and have been named the ‘Tears of the Virgin’, are apparently the work of cyanobacteria [bacteria that undergo photosynthesis similar to green plants] that dissolve away some of the rocky substrate to produce depressions and the elongated tear-like ‘tails’. The depressions are occupied by the barnacle NOT Chthamalus Chthamalus antennatus , which is thereby better able to withstand the desiccating conditions antennatus when uncovered by the receding tide. [https://commons.wiki The cyanobacteria are presumed to benefit from access to the barnacle’s nitrogenous media.org/wiki/File:C hthamalus_stellatus.j waste products. An additional bonus for the barnacle is that these dehydration-defying pg ] depressions allow it to survive in areas higher on the shore than they could otherwise occupy so it is less likely to be prey to crabs and other predators. Barnacles and blue-green algae in blissful, binary biological harmony? That’s just bonzer!

Nigel Chaffey, Senior Lecturer in Botany Leaves & Leather Page 23

Final African cheetah experience… Life in ‘Africa’ was now over [see Craig’s item in issue 21] ! Myself and the cheetah project were about to go our separate way. For me, for now, it was back to the classroom, to expand my knowledge on an FdSc in Animal Behaviour in Cornwall. But, KWA Cheetah was to embark on a different type expansion. Shadow, one of the resident females gave birth to four female cubs. Before I left, the project’s management felt there was a possibility that Shadow may be pregnant, and did she ever ‘deliver’! Amongst the four new siblings was ‘Yakira’, quite possibly the most unique cheetah I would get the chance to meet.

I would continue to follow the project with a keen eye. I wasn’t just interested in the project’s The author; cheetah- progression, I now felt emotionally invested in its success. 2015 was the year, I would finally wrangling… get the chance to find out. That’s right, I was heading back to the ‘Rainbow Nation’ (South Africa) to carry on where I left off. Packed and ready for the off, I left the UK once again for life back in the African bush! “. I wasn’t just interested in the project’s progression, I now felt emotionally invested in its success.”

“On my arrival, back at KWA cheetah, I couldn’t quite believe just how much things had changed.”

“So, effective was On my arrival, back at KWA cheetah, I couldn’t quite believe just how much things had their relationship that changed. Originally the project was situated across from Nambiti game reserve and consisted the project grew from of three large enclosures and a farmhouse. These days, the project was based inside the five cheetahs at the perimeter of Nambiti [ http://www.nambiti.com/ ] itself, was 30 hectares in size containing a time of my departure, series of oversized enclosures, education centre and coffee shop. And it wasn’t just the to a grand total of 18 project’s staff who were busy during my absence: The cats were too. There was, it would on my return.” seem, a steamy love affair between Shadow and Mikka, the dominant male. So, effective was their relationship that the project grew from five cheetahs at the time of my departure, to a grand total of 18 by my return. “Raised in captivity,

they were never The advancement of the reintroduction programme differed between cats. For Savannah and taught the hunting or Shadow – the centre’s original residents – the possibility of returning to the wild was awareness skills to unrealistic. Raised in captivity, they were never taught the hunting or awareness skills to survive.” survive. For now, they were both housed in a quiet part of the centre. The project had different advanced stages of operation. All cats born at the project were being put through their paces, not that it was going to be a problem for the world’s ‘fastest’ land mammal to keep up! Leaves & Leather Page 24

… more cheetahs (and a meerkat)…

The first litter born at the project – Zoe, Zara, Zena and Yakira – were almost 3 yea rs’ old and “For Yakira a were near to being released into the wild. Reintroduction for three of the siblings would different story would consist of a ‘soft release’ onto a large game farm where they are the only natural predator. unfold. When she was only two weeks This is the first step in a three-tiered generational programme where any offspring raised may old, her mother become wild enough to be reintroduced into a ‘Big 5’ reserve. accidentally sat on her, damaging both For Yakira a different story would unfold. When she was only two weeks old, her mother shoulder blades.” accidentally sat on her, damaging both shoulder blades. Sadly, the damage was so extensive that Yakira wasn’t be able to follow her three sisters and return to the wild. But, as the saying goes, ‘every cloud has a silver lining’, and Yakira was no exception. During her rehabilitation, she was housed with Des and Elizke, the project management. Also in residence was ‘Zulu’ the mischievous meerkat. This adaptation to Zulu by Yakira, which differs from normal cheetah “‘Sailor’, the behaviour, is not innate. It’s a behaviour that’s been learnt, probably down to the time the pair resident whippet, spent with each other. Witnessing this relationship is still one of the strangest and most would often run free endearing experiences of my life. with the cheetah cubs around the grounds.”

“The cats would be harnessed and taken for a walk around the grounds…” Some of the training procedures the cats would undergo at the project varied at different stages of their own growth development. ‘Sailor’, the resident whippet, would often run free with the cubs around the grounds. This was in part to help aid the development of ‘chase’, an innate behaviour seen in all predators. As cubs reach 12 months old they would be introduced “As you would to the Campbell run, a lure machine designed to further advance the cheetah’s ability to chase. expect, project life Successful graduation from these training exercises resulted in getting an early night. does have its fair share of obstacles to overcome, At 5 am the next morning, it was time to put these skills into practice. The cats were loaded up usually daily” into a vehicle and transported to a game farm where the hunt could begin. The cats would be harnessed and taken for a walk around the grounds, looking for signs of rodent populations. If lucky enough to find any, the cheetahs would be released to begin the chase. It is important to remember that this exercise is designed to mimic as closely as possible real conditions. Often the cheetahs come home empty-handed. But, on one occasion, I was on hand to experience “On the odd the chase and capture in real time. You can’t appreciate the world’s fastest mammal until that occasion when explosion of pace happens right before your eyes. there was a lull in the daily schedule, As you would expect, project life does have its fair share of obstacles to overcome, usually there was always daily. Whether it was routine health checks or daily maintenance, staff and volunteers always the chance to head had something to keep them occupied. On the odd occasion when there was lull in the daily out on a game schedule, there was always the chance to head out on a game drive. It wasn’t like we had to go drive. ” far; after all, the project was based inside Nambiti game reserve. Leaves & Leather Page 25

The end of the cheetah’s tale… Alas, my time at the project was to end. This gave a moment to reflect on the experiences I had “I’m happy to report come to know. First and foremost, the ideals were to establish a successful cheetah breeding that the first release project, with the hope that one day, they can be released back into the wild. Certainly, breeding of cheetahs back to had been very successful. I’m happy to report that the first release of cheetahs back to the wild the wild is now a is now a reality. reality. ”

“And with reports suggesting there are fewer than 7,000 left in the wild, cheetahs have been placed on the endangered list by CITES…”

As of late 2016, Zoe, Zara and Zena have been released back into the wild. With Sky and Storm, the cubs I first helped raise during my first visit, now also due for release, the future is looking bright. And with reports suggesting there are fewer than 7,000 left in the wild, cheetahs have been placed on the endangered list by CITES [ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment- “To follow more 37452304 ]; they need our help more than ever. To save a species, our ideas must evolve to cheetah adventures, preserve them and Des and Elizke are no exception. Now rebranded, Running Wild Conservation check out their [http://www.runningwildconservation.org/ ], a registered charity, has removed the interaction Facebook page…” element to fully focus their energy towards the cheetahs’ delayed extinction. To follow more cheetah adventures, check out their Facebook page [https://www.facebook.com/runningwildconservation/?fref=ts ].

Craig Buckton, Year 3 Biology

Thank you, Mr and Mrs Moss…

An oxygen-enriched atmosphere is viewed as crucial to development of complex and multicellular life forms, but quite how levels of atmospheric oxygen approaching modern-day values came about has been a long-standing puzzle of Earth’s evolution. Oxygen-producing photosynthesis by cyanobacteria has been widely implicated in the so-called Great Oxygenation Event of approx. 2.4 billions of years ago, which provided a major increase in ancient atmospheric O 2 levels. But, that only got up to a maximum of one-tenth of the current day’s O2 concentration. What generated the Oxygen captured more substantial rises to near-modern day values approx. 420–400 millions of years ago? Timothy above… Lenton et al . [http://www.pnas.org/content/113/35/9704 ] suggest that’s down to the photosynthetic activities of some of the earliest colonizers of the land, plants such as mosses. Have you breathed today? Then, maybe you should thank a moss…

Nigel Chaffey, Senior Lecturer in Botany Leaves & Leather Page 26

Laura Cottam [BSc. (Hons) Biology, 2015] What have you done since graduating from Bath Spa? I spent a year working in admin and in September 2016 I started my master’s degree. In my third year at Bath Spa I also started writing my blog based around biology called ThatBiologist. My blogging came from an assignment in my 3rd year Conservation in Context module and from that I fell in love with writing and science communication [SciComm].

What is your current job? Currently I am completing my MSc in Conservation at University College, London [UCL; http://www.geog.ucl.ac.uk/study/graduate-taught/msc-conservation ], taking modules in everything from indicators of climate change to marine science to policy. It’s incredibly fast- paced and covers all different sides of conservation. Aside from that I write! I write my own blog [https://thatbiologist.wordpress.com/ ], but I’m also volunteering for The Woodland Trust as a website content creator. That involves writing blogs [https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blogs/woodland-trust/] on lots of different topics, and researching and writing species pages for their website.

“I’ m also Typical day in the current job... volunteering for The My day-to-day life varies a lot depending whether I’m at university or not. However, most days Woodland Trust as start with breakfast combined with emails. For the Woodland Trust I have to keep in contact with a website content my lovely manager/editor – which all gets done via email. My mornings also involve a lot of social creator. ” media. Being active in science social media is important to keeping my writing up-to-date. Then I go to uni., which ranges from just a few hours to the whole day. My course currently involves

spending plenty of time in the lab looking at tiny organisms as indicators of climate change.

Although it also involves lectures and computer practicals. Back home it’s writing and planning Top tips for current Bath Spa for my blogs. Then some social media to round off the day! Biologists/Environm ental Scientists? Most favourite part of your current job? Have fun with your In my Master’s it’s the discussions! There are a lot of people with different backgrounds which assignments! My best creates fantastic discussions around conservation. In my SciComm work it’s the freedom. I’ve pieces of work were always loved writing, but my blogs allow me to write about whatever I want and I use my when I chose a topic creative licence to the full. In 2016 I wrote about Humboldt Penguins, Robert De Niro, and that was interesting to poisonous plants causing Snow White’s death. me. Even if that means throwing in ... least favourite part? some Disney In my Master’s it’s the speed: The year is going by incredibly quickly and the workload means I references or doing have to work as fast. SciComm is a little lonely, lots of time at my computer not seeing anyone. your entire presentation about How did your course at Bath Spa help to prepare you for employment? Harry Potter-based Time management and organisation! My Master’s is a case of spinning all the plates at once – plants (true story – constantly. Luckily, from my undergrad days, I now know how to do that pretty well. In terms of Plants and People module). writing, I’m given and set myself deadlines all the time, so knowing when and how to balance blogging against my Master’s is hugely important.

Best memory of your time at Bath Spa? The Quarry Life Award Project in my 2nd year – it was just so cool! I worked as part of a small team doing “real” science for the first time; we gained 5 th place (out of 92 projects) and raised some money for the department. That opportunity really impressed the admissions team at UCL. And it was the first time I saw my name on a published paper! Leaves & Leather Page 27

Machakos, the place to be… Two years ago, I received a ‘phone call that drastically changed the course of my life. Fresh out “…it was safe to say of year 13, with a handful of A levels to my name, a failed indie band behind me, and a new job December was looking bleak.” stacking shelves at the local Co-op, it was safe to say December was looking bleak. As I picked up the now silent telephone, I had completely forgotten having applied to volunteer for three month overseas with the International Citizenship Service [http://www.volunteerics.org/ ]. Having thought it would ultimately come to nothing I had cast that memory aside; but, my application had been successful! Before my mum could fake surprise at the conversation she’d just pretended not to overhear, I was on a plane to Kenya with a group of people I’d barely got “I was on a plane to to know, about to embark on one of the most enlightening experiences of my life. Kenya with a group Soon after settling into what was to be my home for the next three months, I began of people I’d barely work for the Kenya Red Cross (KRC), the organisation to which Sylvia Seleyian, my Kenyan got to know, about to counterpart volunteer, and I had recently been assigned. Working for KRC was very embark on one of the community-focused; we were responsible for the organisation of communication between most enlightening many local volunteering groups and non-profit organisations. It soon became apparent that experiences of my instead of relying on mass emails and text messages to run operations, productivity hinged on life.” face-to-face meetings, long ‘phone calls, hours of conversation and many, many cups of tea. I settled into this lifestyle easily, the intuitive nature of this work came naturally to me and soon we were in full flow. For brevity, I won’t detail all aspects of the work, only what I believe was vital to my personal development and what I consider to be my most fulfilling achievements working for KRC. “Soon after settling into what was to be my home for the next three months, I began work for the Kenya Red Cross (KRC)…”

“”for the most part concerning larger projects, your Sylvia and I were adopted into many of the pre-existing project groups within KRC, and, under volunteering stay isn’t supervision, began working on them. Many work duties included carrying out public long enough to see questionnaires within the community, organising meetings and generally getting to know the the projects through people we were trying to help. There is a common misconception among volunteers – myself to the end.! included – that the work you carry out will come to full fruition by the end of your placement and you will leave having left a deep, positive impact in your host community. Whilst this is true is some smaller situations, and does boost one’s ego, for the most part concerning larger projects, your volunteering stay isn’t long enough to see the projects through to the end. We “Our work included both quickly learned that volunteering work is built upon years of communal effort, of which assisting doctors in we were but a small, if vital, part. Initially demoralising, we used this to our advantage, and running blood contributed willingly to the group efforts in which we were involved. Our work included donation campaigns assisting doctors in running blood donation campaigns all over south-east Kenya, organising all over south-east community awareness events tackling issues such as environmental sustainability, AIDs and Kenya…” HIV, and working with other volunteering organisation to help them better provide their services. One project that we were heavily involved in particularly resonates with me, the planning of a water treatment facility in an area of Machakos which previously didn’t have one. Leaves & Leather Page 28 … for hippopotami and tomatoes (!)

“Through our We joined this project in its prelimin ary stages and were tasked with pushing ideas from concept contributions, the to planning. We scouted areas which we considered to need such a facility, carried out group project picked up meetings and questionnaires with local community members and even met with a group pace, with the responsible for developing a similar facility in the neighbouring town of Athi River. Through our concepts changing contributions, the project picked up pace, with the concepts changing slightly to better fit the slightly to better fit the community needs. When we left Machakos three months later, planning permission had begun community needs ” on a building that was part water treatment facility, and part community outreach and awareness centre. Although I wasn’t able to see the final outcomes in person, the project

remains with me as it taught me the value of community centred development work.

It is very easy as a westerner to have an idea of what you think a developing country

needs to develop. It has been the case time and time again that some wealthy organisation has

“One day, after heavy seen its money wasted because it wasn’t used in a way that benefits the community. This is rainfall, migrating summed up in a story told to me by one of the men I worked with on this project. Once, when hippopotamuses he was working in a rural Kenyan river village, an organisation came and funded the climbed the banks development of acres and acres of tomato farms on the bank of the river, which to their trampling the tomato confusion were currently unused. The residents watched silently as the farms were constructed crops in their path…” and the tomatoes planted. One day, after heavy rainfall, migrating hippopotamuses climbed the banks trampling the tomato crops in their path, rendering the crop useless, as they moved further down the river. This is perhaps the most valuable lesson I have ever learnt.

“Working with the Kenya Red Cross has pushed me towards pursuing a career in international humanitarian work. ”

Working with the Kenya Red Cross has pushed me towards pursuing a career in international humanitarian work. Back in the UK I secured a place a Bath Spa University to study st “On the 1 of June, I Biology, with the aim of using my knowledge and experience to set up and run a humanitarian am going to Nepal, organisation that operates in the developing world which focuses on the importance of where I will be community living and practising tolerance and open-mindedness when initiating projects. working for 10 weeks On the 1 st of June, I am going to Nepal, where I will be working for 10 weeks as a medical as a medical intern in intern in the Chit wan area south of Kathmandu. There I will open my mind once again to all that the Chit wan area south of Kathmandu. ” I see, and build upon the experience I intend to carry with me for years to come. I can’t help but think how different my life might be had I not received that ‘phone call.

Benedict Furness, Year 2 Biology Leaves & Leather Page 29

Opwall Indonesian Adventure… Last summer, I travelled to the Wakatobi National Park in Indonesia with Operation Wallacea “OpWall is an (OpWall; http://opwall.com/ ) to undertaken my dissertation research. Named after oft-overlooked organisation that British Victorian naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, OpWall is an organisation that conducts biological conducts a series of based research programmes in 14 different countries across the world. Before travelling to biological based Indonesia, I met with my Supervisor (Nigel Chaffey) in my 2 nd year to gain approval of my project, research which changed almost as soon as I began my data collection in the field. These things happen when programmes in 14 you’re stuck on an island in the middle of the Wakatobi! different countries across the world” I arrived at Hoga Island after 4 flights AND a 2-hour boat journey to be welcomed by the locals and rain … and lots of it. The tropical rain lasted for two weeks non-stop. During the first week, it was the Reef Survey Techniques [RST] course. We learnt how to conduct different surveying techniques whilst diving which were to be the methodology for our dissertations. The lectures were on the reef survey techniques, scientific names of over 80 marine species, and coral “During the first reef ecology. The survey techniques ranged from measuring roughness to counting fish numbers week, it was the Reef using a fish transect. At the end of the week we would have our RST exam and we had to get 70% Survey Techniques to pass, 80 of the 100 questions were just on species scientific names, with most hard corals course.” looking very similar! Thankfully all of us dissertation students actually passed!

“At the end of the week we would have our RST exam, and we had to get 70% to pass…”

After that week it was time to start our data collection. We got to have meetings with our on-site “With lecturers from supervisors whom we would dive with and see every day. My supervisor, Joe, was extremely hands- the Universities of on and I couldn’t have asked for a better supervisor. He was also undertaking his PhD research at Essex and Florida on the time, as were two other supervisors on the island. With lecturers from the Universities of Essex hand, we had the and Florida on hand, we had the best advice and help with our dissertations. Throughout the best advice and help remaining weeks, we had meetings with the head lecturer on site. His aim was to question our with our dissertations.” work and make us think if we really knew the purpose of our project and why we were doing it the way we were. This was either a scary moment or one of relief when you knew what you were doing. For me, it was a bit of both.

“This was either a scary moment or one of relief when you knew what you were doing.”

Leaves & Leather Page 30

… with dinoflagellates and beer(!)

“Every person left During the data collection weeks, we w ould board the science boat to dive at three different the island with a full dive sites, Sampela, Buoy 3 and Pak Kasims. Each site was different, and each beautiful in its data set ready for own right. At each location we would dive with a research assistant. The research assistants their dissertation were students as well and one of them was on the same course as me at Bath Spa. She – Amy write-ups.” O’Callaghan – was my research assistant and after only diving for a short time was probably my favourite to work with. Research assistants were there primarily to help us with our research, but also as our dive buddies. For my dissertation, I was undertaking 20 m belt transects along the reef, placing a quadrat at every 5m and taking a photo of them for later analysis. I was examining the ratios of sponge to coral at each site using these methods. Every week, Amy, a few other dissertation students and I set up sediment traps [plastic bottles containing concrete

to weigh them down] at each reef site. After a week, the traps were brought up, and their

contents sieved to determine the grain size of the sediment around Hoga.

Enough about my project though. Each dissertation student on Hoga Island had a

“… the best thing you different project from anemone fish to nudibranchs. They looked at different ecosystems from will encounter in seagrasses to coral reefs by diving or snorkelling and two were even allowed to study individual Indonesia is the corals in the laboratory by altering abiotic factors. These corals were obtained from the reef by bioluminescent the head lecturer – who had a coral-collecting permit. Every person left the island with a full dinoflagellates when data set ready for their dissertation write-ups. the waves break or But apart from the dives, social nights had to be the best. Dressing up on an island with are disturbed. Perfect, minimal materials really made the night, from the ‘under the sea’ theme to the classic zombie especially with a theme. At night though, the best thing you will encounter in Indonesia is the bioluminescent Bintang beer in one dinoflagellates when the waves break or are disturbed. Perfect, especially with a Bintang beer hand.” in one hand.

Chelsie Dyer, Year 3 Biology

Meet the Staff: Dr Stephanie Greshon

What is your role? Senior Lecturer in Conservation Biology (part time). What do you do? I mainly teach on the Biodiversity and Conservation, Ecology, and Environmental Consultancy modules and am Module Leader on Biodiversity Tools and Techniques. I also run the Purbeck field course. I also run my own professional Ecological Consultancy business [ ]. Favourite part(s) of the job: Supporting students as they face the challenges of uni. life, from first meeting my personal tutees in Welcome Week to congratulating them on graduation day. …Least favourite: University Administration, and very early starts to grab a parking place! Most likely to be heard saying : “So, when can we do the Purbeck field course this year?”

Least likely to say : “I’ll drive the minibus this time…” Steph’s hobbies : Favourite Colour : The Colour Purple. Playing the guitar rather badly and Favourite Plant: Oenanthe crocata (hemlock water dropwort) [www.thepoisongarden.co.uk], cooking (to relax!). ” which featured in an episode of Midsomer Murders! Favourite Anima l: The dormouse due to its extreme cuteness and the fact that it spends almost eight months of its life in hibernation. Even during its active period it is most likely to be found asleep in old birds’ nests or in a state of torpor. Respect! Leaves & Leather Page 31

Bats, badgers, photocopiers: Ecology work experience At the start of the 2 nd year of my undergraduate Biology degree at Bath Spa, I wrote an article for this newsletter about some of my first environmental work experience. Now the years have travelled by, my dissertation and graduation have come and gone, and I find myself as a Masters student of Environmental Management (also at Bath Spa). The message I hoped to spread in that article from long ago – about how vital good work experience is for learning about the real world of environmental work – is still valid today. Indeed, its importance has increased for me because a Master’s course is only a short year and soon I will finally be striking out on the nervous journey of starting a career. Making personal contacts, good impressions and working alongside people in the industry is one of the best methods of job hunting and presenting yourself as a valuable prospective candidate. And, in August 2016, just before my Masters course began, I hoped to do just that.

Waterman Group PLC [https://www.watermangroup.com/ ] is an experienced consulting organisation that chiefly operates in the UK, but has an international presence with offices from Chennai to Sydney to Warsaw. The Group is multidisciplinary providing services in Structural Engineering, Building Services and Health and Safety. The sector that held my interest was the Infrastructure and Environment group, based next door to the famous M Shed in the old Bristol Docks. I got in touch with Waterman’s South-West Regional Director, Richard Stockwell (I also made contacts through my Dad who works for the Structures Group of the company in the Midlands) and I managed to secure a week of work experience.

Although the Waterman Infrastructure and Environment group is not the company’s largest section, it is no less valuable or experienced. Their team consists of around 30 people The author, boots at specialising in different aspects of environmental consultancy, including archaeological the ready! investigation and landscape design. I worked with their field ecologists and was supervised for [photo: N Chaffey] the week by Associate Director, Lee Mantle. “The Group is The Waterman ecologists regularly travel long distances to reach their project sites and despite multidisciplinary being housed in Bristol, they can be called out to anywhere in the country. I was thrown providing services in somewhat in at the deep end as for my first day I was assigned to go on an all-day Phase 1 Structural Habitat Survey at a housing development in Oxfordshire. I was a little daunted but soon put at Engineering, Building ease by my enthusiastic colleagues. The area was rather different to anywhere I had done a Services and Health Phase 1 survey before. Mostly it was large expanses of land flattened in preparation for and Safety. ” building, with only sparse trees and pioneer grasses emerging here and there. But, it felt very satisfying to put my knowledge in to practice. I know that I was making my contribution to the “I was thrown project in locating an old badger sett, potential bat roosts and helping to identify flora on site. somewhat in at the deep end as for my first day I was For my next day’s work, I was told to come into work late in the afternoon and to be well rested assigned to go on an as I was accompanying another ecology team on a night activity survey for bats on a rural all-day Phase 1 housing development in Somerset. This was set to last from 7 pm until midnight. As the sun Habitat Survey at a went down on a warm late-summer’s evening we geared up with bat detectors and head- housing development torches and began walking across the site between designated recording points. The site in Oxfordshire. ” consisted of former agricultural fields sitting beside residential streets. The nearby gardens, small coppices and hedgerows made good potential corridors for travelling bats. I was put in “As the sun went charge of the recording sheet and needed a good ear to simultaneously listen out for bats – down on a warm late- which was often brief ticks and squeaks from the detectors or a fleeting glimpse of a little dark summer’s evening we shape passing overhead – and note down their presence. I also got a look into the long-term geared up with bat activities of the ecology team as we were tasked to collect several bat recording boxes that had detectors and head- been hanging in the trees on the perimeter for several weeks, continuously collecting valuable torches…” da ta destined for a final report on the site’s bat activity. Leaves & Leather Page 32

Ecology work experience concluded Many people might think me a bit mad for enjoying traipsing around building sites and standing out “It was easy to identify in a dark meadow until midnight, but I certainly enjoy practical outdoor work more than anything the other ecologists’ in ecology. Getting your hands dirty and being able to examine the environment, touch it and desks as they usually observe the real interactions between organisms is at the heart of an ecologist’s job. But, that’s not had a pair of muddy to say that there aren’t other aspects to the work. boots and piles of bat The remainder of my time at Waterman was office-based; I was given my own desk. It was detectors and outdoor easy to identify the other ecologists’ desks as they usually had a pair of muddy boots and piles of gear residing nearby.” bat detectors and outdoor gear residing nearby. Now was the time for sitting in a comfortable, air- conditioned office with the familiar hum of the photocopier and coffee machine. Whilst this may “All of this gave me a sound much less interesting than fieldwork, believe me it isn’t. As it was the tail end of the survey brilliant first-hand season, the ecology team were all very busy but still found time to introduce me to more of their appreciation of the various projects. I found that they had a very wide experience of working sites, from military bases multi-faceted nature of to old mental asylums. If there were protected species to be found and environments to be an ecologist at work.” preserved at a site, they’d been there. What I valued most from my office days was being able to sit back and listen to the goings on around me. One member of the team would be answering a call from an important client Ecologists “have to be looking for a progress report about their site, another would be contacting a local council to clear outdoor hikers, field up a legislative matter, whilst a third would be packing their kit and preparing for a train journey to technicians, writers and a far-flung survey site. All of this gave me a brilliant first-hand appreciation of the multi-faceted also be the calm, nature of an ecologist at work. We have to be outdoor hikers, field technicians, writers and also be educated face who the calm, educated face who gives clients vital advice. gives clients vital I can’t think of much that is more valuable and educational than a week of work experience advice.” when you’re looking to start a career. So, I’ll reiterate my advice again. Find a work placement,

whether you are a fresh-faced first year or a well-travelled Master’s student. All it takes is a few

“I can’t think of much polite emails to companies which you’re interested in; research their backgrounds, present yourself that is more valuable and a summary of your skills and work to date smartly and you can’t go wrong. Many and educational than a environmental companies are keen to assist people like us who are new to the sector – and they week of work might even be talent-scouting for themselves, you won’t regret it. I certainly didn’t and I’m thankful experience when to Lee Mantle and his team at Waterman for taking me through the inner workings of bat monitors, you’re looking to start a environmental legislation, mitigation strategies and report writing. I’m definitely going to keep in career.” touch with them and I hope to go back to Bristol and see them when the new survey season starts in the spring and hopefully lend a hand.

Richard Spiers (BSc. (Hons) Biology, 2016)

Super -duper , hi -tech silk Some of the newest materials are graphene and carbon nanotubes; one of the oldest known to Man is silk. What happens when the ancient meets the modern? Silk is a proteinaceous material produced by the larvae of the silk moth (Bombyx mori ).Known as silkworms, the larvae feed on leaves of the white mulberry tree ( Morus alba ). Traditionally, silk is used to make some of the most exotic fabrics and clothing items. Strong though it is, even stronger silk is desirable – which I’m assuming would lead to longer-lasting, tougher-wearing clothing. Qi Wang et al . [http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.nanolett.6b03597 ] fed carbon nanotubes/graphene to silkworms (as you do…). In contrast to ‘regular’ silk, the ‘carbon-enhanced’ silk produced under this unusual dietary regime was twice as tough and withstood 50% more stress before breaking.

Image from: Furthermore, carbonising the silk by heating to 1050 °C gave it the ability to conduct electricity – https://commons.wikim unlike normal silk. This latter property opens up the possibility of producing biodegradable medical edia.org/wiki/File:Meye implants, and eco-friendly wearable electronics. Slick work that silkworm’s silk work. rs_b14_s0826a.jpg Nigel Chaffey, Senior Lecturer in Botany Leaves & Leather Page 33

A little bike ride … in the Alps(!) Back in July 2016 I undertook a long cycle sportive in the Alps called La Marmotte. The name comes from a species of squirrel that populates some of the alpine slopes over the sportive’s course, the marmot. The course was 108 miles long, featured 4 mountain climbs with a combined climbing total of 5000 m, and 7000 cyclists took part. I travelled out to the ski resort of Alpe d’Huez on the 30 th June to be briefed and prepare for the main sportive on Saturday the 2 nd .

The event started at 7.45 am, which meant a 5 am wake for breakfast and cycling down to the start line, 30 minutes down the mountain. Once I got going the first 10 miles or so were fast and flat through the valley, up to an EDF dam. After this, was the first major climb, the Col du Glandon (below left). Early on it was forest-covered and cyclists were tightly bunched, slowly pushing uphill. Later, the road passed high above a reservoir and the scenery was incredible, with long-range views up the mountain pass. By 10.30 am I reached the 1900 m summit (below right), after climbing 1200 m.

Joy at completing the event

Col du Galibier descent After a break to take on water and snacks, I cycled down the other side; the scenery maintained its incredible appearance. The descent took 30 minutes, and the 1500 m drop was very relaxing and a real joy to cycle. The course then became a long gently rising valley from 35 to 50 miles in, “My perseverance during which phase cyclists grouped together to save energy in the wind. The Cols du Telegraphe was rewarded with and du Galibier were ahead; over 20 miles we’d ascend from 700 to 2600 m elevation. Both some “world class” climbs together were painfully long and physically demanding. The first summit at 1500 m was scenery…” reached by 2 pm, and the rain-hit Galibier at 4.30 pm. By this point I almost wanted to give up and struggled to find motivation. However, after a half hour stop I went on, now either descending or on the flat for the next 30 miles. “Finally, at 8.15 pm, 12½ hours after My perseverance was rewarded with some “world class” scenery, especially early on. I starting out, I descended fast and almost non-stop – if I wanted to complete the final climb I had to be back at finished the ride…. ” Bourg d’Oisans (the start town) by 6.30 pm. After a tunnel, and a dense and deep gorge on the route back, I made it in time. After a short break, I took on the final climb, Alpe d’Huez. It’s the Tour de France’s hardest and most famous climb, with 21 hairpins and 1100 m of climbing over “After collecting a 8½ miles to summit back at the resort. I climbed up slowly but surely, stopping briefly every 2-3 victory t-shirt, I bends, knowing that once at the top it was all over. Finally, at 8.15 pm, 12½ hours after starting relaxed with football out, I finished the ride to great joy – and relief. After collecting a victory t-shirt, I relaxed with on TV and pizza in football on TV and pizza in the hotel, along with some other riders staying there. After a visit to the hotel…” the city of Geneva the next day, I returned home to London.

Bradley Whitaker, Year 3 Environmental Science Leaves & Leather Page 34

A summer’s Rum experience… “…when up popped The summer break had arrived at the end of my 2 nd year of Environmental Science and internship one of the Course applications had not been successful. I had gained some part-time work, but was determined to Leader’s emails: do something exciting and adventurous with my break, when up popped one of the Course “Volunteer on Rum” Leader’s emails: “Volunteer on Rum” it read. This caught my attention and after a thoughtful it read.” application, the Rum Ranger offered me a place on the project for several weeks.

I made my way from the south of England to the north by train, getting to stop and explore along the way both in the Lake District, and Scotland. Once I reached Glasgow, the real treat began. The rail journey from Glasgow to the westernmost station in Britain, Mallaig, took “Once I reached passengers across vast mountains, with breath-taking views, and travelled across the famous Glasgow, the real Glenfinnan viaduct (of Harry Potter movies’ fame). Finally, at the port of Mallaig, I dropped my treat began, the rail bags at the backpacker’s lodge that I had pre booked for the night, and headed harbour side to journey from get some freshly caught fish from the local chippy. My ferry for the Small Isles (Much, Eigg, Glasgow to the Canna, and Rum) would depart the following morning. After a night’s recuperation from the 12- westernmost station hour train journey, I boarded the ferry for yet more scenic treats. Although it was a little misty, it in Britain, Mallaig…” was clear enough to see the other Small Isles as we passed by them during the hour long trip. As the ferry approached Rum a Manx shearwater followed the bow, and I was pleased to see the Ranger’s distinctive hat waiting pier side as I had been out of contact since leaving England a few days prior. “…I was pleased to see the Ranger’s distinctive hat waiting pier side ”

“More typically, accommodation on Rum can vary from a tent, caravan,

bothie, croft or The Ranger accompanied me to my accommodation for the next few weeks. Because weather hostel. “ had been bad, one of the villagers kindly put me up. More typically, accommodation on Rum can

vary from a tent, caravan, bothie, croft or hostel. I was shortly joined by two other volunteers, a

German traveller and a recent graduate in marine studies from Scotland. We had much to share “Jobs included: with each other, which was good because we would be working together in the coming days. vegetation Tasks on Rum – to earn our keep – varied, but it was as important to the volunteer organisation clearance; removal to let us explore the islands and have something to share with others when we went away, as it of invasive species was for us to make a contribution to the island’s upkeep. Jobs included: vegetation clearance; such as removal of invasive species such as rhododendron; path building; trail route maintenance; and rhododendron; path we also assisted in running the community centre, and hosting visitors. Because we were working building; trail route for the Ranger, Trudi Clarke (a former Environmental Biology student of Bath Spa University), we maintenance…” were kindly invited by her on nature walks and a tour of the famous castle that once belonged to the powerful Bullough family. The Bulloughs were very wealthy and heavily involved in the restocking of deer on Rum after these mammals almost became extinct in 1785. As well as having the castle uniquely designed and built, the family also owned a large ship that travelled as far as “Rum today is Japan, and was used to bring home injured soldiers during the war. The castle today is full of very powered by expensive antiques, but welcomes organised visits. hydroelectric Rum today is powered by hydroelectric power, has a community of around 30 people, power…” and many regular visitors. There is a small school on the island, and its scholars are a new generation for the isle. Mountains run through the island; the Rum Cuillins arose from a volcanic hot spot 530 million years ago, the volcanism created the distinctive pink Torridonian Sandstone Leaves & Leather Page 35

… with cu illins and Manx shearwaters… “Rum’s weather can that differs from the surrounding rock layers. The three tallest peaks are Barkival, Halival and change very quickly, Askival. Myself and one of the other volunteers reached the peak of Halival on a nicer so I was glad to afternoon, and viewed the spectacular island from above. Rum’s weather can change very have company quickly, so I was glad to have company when trekking. The views from the mountain tops aside, when trekking.” I think it was the island of Harris that took my breath away during the visit. With express permission from the Scottish National Heritage (SNH) manager for the reserve, the volunteer group made their way across the island accompanied by the Rum Ranger to a beautiful secluded beach, and deer monitoring station at the end of the line of cuillin mountains. The Isle of Skye was visible in all its glory across the ocean, and is where the Bulloughs would have yawed their ship if it had not had such rough seas, and rocks. “Whilst I visited, There are large numbers of deer on Rum, which allows important research to be rutting season was undertaken, but also needs breeding programmes to control their numbers. In 2016, I believe several weeks 60 animals were culled by designated stalkers. Whilst I visited, rutting season was several away, so risk was weeks away, so risk was minimal, however caution was still necessary around the beasts. minimal, however Caesar, a very large stag, has in recent times passed away, but before he did so he sired up to caution was still 50 offspring through winning ruttings, and having the most mating partners. necessary around the beasts. ”

“the volunteer group saw much wildlife, e.g. deer, otters, dolphins, golden- ringed dragonflies, newts, caterpillars, eagles, shaggy Highland cows, and cranes…”

Lee prepares a Rum BBQ but the Highland cattle seem unmoved by it all

Whilst at Rum, apart from the breath-taking walks, discovery, and scenic views, the volunteer group saw much wildlife, e.g. deer, otters, dolphins, golden-ringed dragonflies, newts, caterpillars, eagles, shaggy Highland cows, and cranes ( and possibly other birds – for which a “If you like what bird spotting guide would have come in handy). Manx shearwaters were recognisable though. you’ve read, like Over a third of the world’s population of Manxes is to be found on Rum in the summer; the travelling and the villagers obey a lights out rule at night to keep it this way. The Manxes use the moonlight to great outdoors – navigate to the sea, and can easily get confused by bright lights. and don’t mind getting your hands If you like what you’ve read, like travelling and the great outdoors – and don’t mind getting dirty to earn your your hands dirty to earn your keep, look out for this opportunity (applications usually close by keep, look out for this opportunity. ” Easter). And do watch out for eMails containing job opportunities from you Environmental Science Course Leader!

Lee Deacon, Year 3 Environmental Science Leaves & Leather Page 36

Adam Smith [BSc. (Hons) Biol. (Conserv.), 2016] What have you done since graduating? Most favourite part of the job? As a mature student, finally being able to spend I thoroughly enjoyed all the survey work and some quality time with my wife and children getting ‘out and about’. If I was to choose a felt well overdue, and a fortnights’ holiday in particular highlight, it would have to be finding a Southern Ireland was incredible. Just before recently used barn owl tree roost on the barn graduation I was fortunate enough to catch on owl survey. This was a rare and fantastic to the BSU ’12 week placement scheme’. experience that I’m sure I’ll not forget. Having spent several years previously involved “As a mature in conservation work and graduating in ....least favourite part? student, finally Conservation Biology I had discovered a firm Spending time in the office! But, the survey work being able to spend interest in ecological monitoring/surveys and certainly makes up for it! some quality time really wanted to gain some experience in with my wife and How did your course at Bath Spa help prepare children felt well ecological consultancy to see if this could be a career path for me. I knew of Nicholas Pearson you for employment? overdue” My course provided me with a lot of skills and Associates (NPA) through the University and experience to move on with my career in Dave Harvey – a Senior Ecologist at NPA – from ecology/conservation. Prior to my degree, a talk he gave on the Biodiversity T&T module in my 2 nd year. Applying was straightforward; I although I had a lot of practical conservation [Ed. – Adam is wrote to NPA explaining my situation and the experience, I had very little insight or experience currently studying for university’s placement scheme and the rest was in ecology and ecological management. My time an MSc in Biological done by NPA and BSU’s Careers Service. Before at Bath Spa gave me a wealth of experience in Recording at I knew it, I was employed full time as a … report writing, ecological surveys and dare I say it Manchester … stats (thank you, Graham). The Ecology trip to Metropolitan What is your current job? Purbeck was a great experience. I was also able University] … Field Ecologist with Nicholas Pearson to get a lot of advice from tutors with Associates (an environmental planning, consultancy experience (Steph, Dave and landscape, architectural and ecological Graham). Presentations were, and still are, a consultancy). NPA delivers a range of services challenge for me, but Bath Spa has prepared me primarily for potential developments from early well for public speaking and presenting work and stages of project feasibility through to design improved my self-confidence. stages, planning and implementation. NPA’s related services include sustainability Best experience of your time at Bath Spa? assessment, urban design, environmental Wwoofing [http://wwoofinternational.org/ ] in impact assessment, visual impact, GIS, Norway through Bath Spa University’s Global Issue 22 Editor : biodiversity and ecology. Citizenship Scheme. Nigel Chaffey [email protected] Typical day in the job Top advice for current Bath Spa As part of the Ecology team, my work centred Biologists/Environmental Scientists Please send contributions Something I found particularly useful was for the newsletter to the on surveying and monitoring European editor above. Protected Species (EPS) on potential carrying on my volunteer work one day a week alongside uni. This gave me an improved development sites, site assessments such as General enquiries can be Phase 1 and bat sound analysis. A Field perspective on the topics I studied. But, more sent to: than anything else, it also helped improve my [email protected] Ecologist travels many miles, to many different places – from Northamptonshire to Stevenage understanding of the applications and value of Note that all items in this what I studied. I would also recommend aiming newsletter are the and South Devon – surveying mostly for bats, responsibility of the individual Great Crested Newts, and dormice. Bat activity to get the best out of your degree possible. contributors and the views Already I have found from applying for expressed are not necessarily surveys are typically carried out at dusk and those of Bath Spa University permanent work how competitive employment or its representatives. dawn, which involves a lot of broken sleep and working unsociable hours! in the environmental sector is. A good degree is

only going to help your cause.