By Mr Thurston (Geography Teacher)
On a somewhat overcast summer’s day earlier in the week Year 7 completed their whistlestop Geography fieldwork tour around Mid-Bedfordshire on Tuesday 11th June. The overriding theme of the day was linking the geology of the area to the topography and land use.
The first stop was in the model village of Stewartby. There we discussed the history behind the development of this expanding settlement, in contrast to the now derelict brickworks, once home to the world’s biggest kiln. We questioned future uses for this site and mulled over the potential impact of Universal Studios’ proposed theme park.
The Forest Centre at Marston Moretaine was our second stop where the benefits of trees to wildlife and people was demonstrated as we explored the nature reserve. Onward to Ampthill where the students sat in the park on the Greensand Ridge overlooking the clay vale below. Here they could pick out the ever-changing Bedfordshire landscape with the relatively new incinerator at Rookery South and in the distance the glow of distribution centres outside Bedford.
Armed with their fieldwork booklets they proceeded into Ampthill to carry out environmental surveys and record the obligatory traffic count.
Our penultimate stop was Sharpenhoe Clappers, where the dappled shade of the ancient beech woodland at the top of the escarpment creates an almost mystical atmosphere. The characteristic landforms of this chalk landscape were sketched, and monuments noted. Once successfully off the hill the group headed to Barton Hills, our final stop. Here we walked until we found ourselves at the top of the dry valley, with the awe-inspiring view laid out in front. After pondering the role of meltwater at the end of the last ice age we made our way down and past the tranquil springs, finally ending up in Barton-le-Clay.
Chloe Whiteman (Year 7) said: "The geography trip was so fun as we got to sketch out landscapes and learn all about different types of clay and chalk. As well as having lots of fun we also learnt lots as well. One of my favourite things we did was going to the spring and doing the road traffic count."
Amrita Tumber (Year 7) added: "The trip was very fun and I loved every bit of it! Going down the hills, around the springs, over the fields and down the steep paths made the experience even better. Seeing the nature really made us take in the beauty of studying geography. Overall, I had a great time."
Sara Nisar (Year 7 commented): “The trip was very informative and a great adventure! Going through the valleys and hills learning about how the types of rock made the land was very enjoyable. Overall, the entire trip was amazing!”
View photos from the trip here.
