On 4, 5,6th December six Geography students headed to Swanage for their NEA Fieldtrip.

On the first day we visited Durdle Door and as well as looking at how it was formed, students completed an angle of the slope survey and a beach sediment survey along a transect of the beach. It was then onto Lulworth Cove where we looked at the rock formations and how the cove was formed before heading to Chesil Beach to look at Spit formation but also to evaluate the coastal management strategies there.

We stayed at the YHA in Swanage which is a great venue overlooking Swanage Bay. That evening we met Amelia from Leeson House who was going to be leading the session the next day.

On the second day we headed to Studland Bay where we looked at sand dune formation and then completed some transects in the dunes. Students measured wind speed, temperature, PH of soil, plant types and angle of the slope. We then headed back to Swanage where we looked at coastal defences and longshore drift before completing some human Geography in the town itself. Looking at tourism facilities, people’s perception of Swanage and cost of living.

That evening students decided on NEA titles and created methodologies for data they wanted to collect.

The last day was spent on student’s individual titles and they all collected data that was unique to them. There was just enough time to head to Barton On Sea on the way home to look at coastal erosion and evaluate why the coastal management is not working there before heading home.

Students and accompanying staff had a fantastic time and students are now well set up to start completing their NEAs.