Set on the outskirts of Snowdonia between the mountains and the coast, Blue Peris is ideally suited to offer a wide variety of sites for use in biology fieldwork.

The centre sleeps 40 students and six adults, with a separate facility for up to ten students. Groups of any size can be catered for (spaces available). Centre staff are available to assist with the running of the course. An activity day / half day can be catered for on request to break up the fieldwork opportunities.

The following represent some ideas of studies that can be accomplished in the local area, although many others can be designed to meet the needs of the individual.

Coastal Area

Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsular offer great opportunities to study both rocky and sandy shores along with sand dunes.

Rocky Shores are in abundance in this area. Comparisons can be made between species on exposed rocky shores and more sheltered sites, along with the comparison of rocky shore life in the Menai Straits where the addition of pollution offers a wider abundance of species. The tidal range in the area is fairly large thus a study can be made from high water mark to low water with no real problem. The variety in species offers an ideal area for comparisons, distribution and diversification studies, using a variety of biology fieldwork techniques and a choice of topics for individual studies.

Sandy Shores can be found along the coasts of the area along with the sand dunes. The sea life in the sandy shores are abundant with worm casts, razor shells, scallops, cockles, etc. Most of whom's existence is identified by old shells found on the beach.

Sand Dunes offer an ideal opportunity to study colonisation of an area. You can follow the embryo dunes from their formation to the established mature dunes further back. The variety of grasses and plants is excellent allowing for a detailed study to be made. Transects can be a accomplished to determine the location and distribution of species along the sand dunes.

Woodlands

Behind Blue Peris is an area of ancient Oak woodland which is protected via the Padarn Country Park. There is an abundance of different forms of vegetation in this area which can offer numerous ideas for study. The following represents a few ideas of some investigations that can be carried out in this area; Tree Lichen studies; Vegetation diversification related to light intensity; Soil variation and species dominance; Effects of different canopy species on the ground flora of woodlands. In contrast the area contains many coniferous tree plantations which can be used in a comparative study or an alternative study. Some of these have been man controlled and others have been left to grow naturally.

Streams

The area has many streams and rivers, most of which can be studied from their source to the sea. This can offer the opportunity to study the changes in river life throughout the course of the river. Pollution factors can also be identified via the presence of species such as freshwater shrimps. Different sampling methods can be used to obtain species as well as a look at the difference in pools, riffles, flow rates etc. Typical species which can be found in abundance in many of the streams in the area are; Caddis Fly lava; Mayflies lava; Stoneflies; Freshwater Shrimps; Leeches etc. Comparisons can be made between mountain streams and woodland streams with sites being taken throughout the course of the stream. The effect of tributaries entering the streams can also be studied.

Mountains

These offer a comparison of a different sort of vegetation. Cwm Idwal provides an opportunity to study the difference between mountain areas that have been grazed and those that have been protected from the effects of sheep grazing (the difference is very obvious). Mountain habitats and microclimates can be studied along with a look at the colonisation of areas of acidic scree, one of the National Parks main interests currently. It is possible to organise a walk with one of the wardens for the Cwm Idwal site to look at the conservation work that they are currently doing in the area to protect the rare arctic alpine plants that exist along side the many paths.

The above represents a few ideas that can be studied in the area, although there are countless other topics that you may decide to use that we have not mentioned.

All courses are adapted to suit the needs of the visiting staff and pupils. Centre staff are available to assist in the choice of sites, identification of species and fieldwork investigations. All classroom based preparation and use of the results will be done by the teachers from the schools visiting the centre to ensure that all subjects are relevant to the pupils.

Blue Peris has a range of fieldwork equipment available for use (see enclosed list), you may wish to bring some additional equipment from your school to supplement this. The centre presently has one computer devoted to student use with digital cameras available for each group. 17 seater minibuses are available for use when at the centre. Teachers should ideally be drivers although non drivers can be accommodated.

Courses at Blue Peris include personal accident insurance for pupils and staff and do not require any further County Council approval.

Please feel free to contact the centre if you have any queries.