Animal Students Walk on the Wild Side

Year Two Animal Management students enjoyed an exciting week-long residential trip to New Quay in Wales at the end of last term – the first residential trip the department has taken in more than a decade!

Students spent the week working with the SeaWatch Foundation, the whale and dolphin conservation 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.

During their week, students participated in seminars on dolphin identification and behaviour. These were followed up with a boat-based survey – the data recorded will be used in publications for the protection of the resident population of the Bottlenose dolphin.

Students had the amazing opportunity to kayak out on the water, paddling along with the dolphins and spent a few hours in the bay playing a range of games. The week ended with pizza on the beach listening to music.

The week was simply perfect weather-wise, and students experienced multiple dolphin sightings every day. An amazing way to celebrate a year of achievement with an incredible 100% pass rate – what a send-off!

Peter Robinson, Lecturer in Animal Science said, “The students were very engaged and learnt a lot from their time with SeaWatch.”

Frankie Simpson, Lecturer in Animal Science commented, “These trips are important because they allow students to see first-hand the animals, habitats, and organisations they learn about in the classroom. Visiting zoos, wildlife centres, or conservation projects helps connect theory to practice, showing how animal welfare, husbandry, and conservation efforts are carried out in the real world. These experiences also build practical skills, inspire future career paths, and deepen students’ understanding of the challenges and opportunities in protecting animals and the environment.

Equally, celebrating successes during and after these trips is vital. Recognising when students have applied their knowledge, developed new skills, or contributed to conservation discussions helps build confidence and motivation. It reminds learners that their efforts make a difference and encourages them to take pride in their role as the next generation of animal scientists and conservationists.”

Danielle Fox, Head of Department for Land-based added, “Our dolphin watching trip to New Quay offers Animal Management students an unforgettable opportunity to see marine mammals in their natural environment. Experiences like this bring the subject to life, inspire future careers in conservation, and show the unique, hands-on learning that makes our course stand out.”

Find out more about the amazing opportunities you could experience with a course in Animal Management! There are still spaces available for September 2025!