Page 100 - Bellfort Magazine Issue 8

Magilligan Field Trip species back. The sand dunes are mainly
untouched by humans providing an ideal
In April this year, the Year 11 Double
award Science classes ventured into the
wilderness of the North Coast as we
travelled to Magilligan Field Centre as
part of our double award Biology unit to
complete a prescribed practical on
ecology and sampling techniques. This
involved performing a belt transect on
the beach area at Magilligan Point and
the surrounding area, practicing our
sampling techniques with the use of
quadrats and learning more about the
process of succession. location for us to study Primary
Succession.

Primary succession is the change in the soil moisture content. as this would also
environment over a period of time. At have affected the distribution of plants
Magilligan Point, it is possible to observe and animals.
how the sand dune ecosystem has Pupils learnt how to use an anemometer
changed over time from the harsh (wind speed), pH probe (soil pH) and a
embryo dunes, where very little plant light meter. Some plants can survive
species grow, to the old dunes consisting
of dense woodland. Pupils in Year 11 had
the task of recording the percentage
Benone beach and the surrounding area cover of pioneer species on the dunes as
is designated as a Special Area of the distance from the tideline increased.
Conservation, a Special Protection Area Pioneer species, like marram grass and
and also contains the Umbra Nature sand couch, are species that are highly
Reserve. The Marsh Fritillary butterfly adapted to grow in harsh conditions,
which was once a common species on
the sand dunes has now become extinct
in the area. The special status of the

such as high winds and low moisture
content. Pupils identified these species well in shady conditions while other
plants need a lot of light to survive
using keys with the help of Natalie and
Michael, our guides from Magilligan Field All of the pupils enjoyed their experience
Centre. at Magilligan Field Centre, agreeing that
We also recorded the abiotic factors on it gave everyone the opportunity to see
in practice what is taught in the
the sand dunes including the wind
dunes is helping to encourage this speed, temperature, light intensity and classroom. 99