Animal Students Finish Year on a High!

Level 3 Year 2 Animal Management students finished the academic year in style with a brilliant week-long residential trip to New Quay in Wales just before the Summer term ended.

The week started with the journey to Wales, before settling into the accommodation and some time getting to know the area.

Tuesday morning brought a visit to The Sea Watch Foundation, the whale and dolphin monitoring charity. Through their research and monitoring programmes, SeaWatch provides invaluable information on changes to the status and distribution of the whale and dolphin populations and the condition of their habitats.

Students enjoyed fascinating seminars on conservation and why it matters, conservation of the local area, discussions surrounding identification of species and habitats, and a guide about how to get involved with dolphin and wale spotting.

In the afternoon, students enjoyed the gorgeous weather whilst carrying out a coastal survey, looking for signs of dolphins in the area.

On Wednesday morning the long-awaited boat trip gave students the opportunity to dolphin watch at sea – getting to see more of the beautiful Cardigan Bay at the same time whilst they learned about adhering to strict habitat and conservation laws whilst in the afternoon they all enjoyed some well-earned down time in the town and on the beach.

On Thursday morning students and staff alike were booked in for a kayak and paddle-board session, whilst a unanimous vote for a second boat trip made Thursday truly a sea day!

Peter Robinson, Lecturer in Animal Science said, “This trip is great for students as they get to spend quality time together which is crucial for their wellbeing. 

“The location makes the logistics of the trip easy, and the safe area together with the amazing weather makes the trip a fun experience whilst learning of the important work the Sea Watch Foundation do. 

 “For most students, we focus on small animals throughout the academic year so learning about marine mammals gives them the opportunity to experience something different.”

Find out more about Animal Studies at Craven College.