B
efore the sun had even risen on
Monday June 18th, twenty 61
biology students and four
members of staff set out on a coach to
Penzance to get a ferry to the island of
St Mary's, Isles of Scilly. The pupils,
looking not so bright-eyed and
bushytailed, grunting in typical teenage
fashion, soon brightened up however on
arrival, after a smooth ferry crossing in
sunny weather.
After conquering the steep incline up to
the Garrison campsite, we made camp
and then set off into the Great Unknown,
blind to the truly spectacular biology we
would soon experience. Most of the
practical work was completed at Old Town
Bay, a brisk 20-minute walk from base
camp, which in the stifling heat was no
mean feat.
Research carried out included sampling of
seashore organisms and examining rock
pools, which delighted certain 'lads'
amongst the group who enjoyed catching
crabs (the same 'lads' who created a
makeshift 'gym' with picnic benches to
show their 'strength'). In the evenings, we
had lavish feasts at the local pub The
Mermaid, and basked in the breathtaking
sunsets.
On the third day, the adventurers took a
boat trip out to gaze eagerly through
binoculars at seals and puffins, which
most of us had never seen out of captivity
before. We journeyed to the mysterious
isle of Tresco to study sand dune ecology,
and ended the day writing up results
before a slightly rainy, but delicious,
barbecue cooked by the Dream Team,
captained by Flora Evans.
Back at the campsite, our makeshift and
aptly named Seamouse Inn was a roaring
success amongst us intrepid explorers,
cooking up a storm fearlessly in the
monsoon weather. Overall, it was
undoubtedly the highlight of our AS
Biology careers, perfectly capturing the
essence of both enjoyment and education.
Massive thanks to all staff involved!
Scilly
Shenanigans
by Charlotte Mason
30