Advanced Higher Biology students recently had the opportunity to put their learning into practice during a visit to Forvie National Nature Reserve. The reserve is an internationally significant site for migrating and nesting birds and is home to a growing grey seal haul-out.
Led by NatureScot ranger Daryl Short, students explored the south end of Forvie, gaining hands-on experience in field techniques and animal fitness studies. Throughout the day, Daryl provided invaluable insights into the survival strategies of various species, helping students sharpen their observational skills.
Key highlights of the visit included:
- Understanding sexual dimorphism in male and female eider ducks.
- Observing resource partitioning through the beak lengths of wading birds.
- Identifying mesopredators such as badgers, deer, and foxes through their tracks.
- Learning about tern population monitoring and nest protection strategies.
- Discovering the significance of bird ringing, including an arctic tern that has potentially flown the equivalent distance to the moon and back over its lifetime migrations.
The students also conducted a line transect study to observe plant species succession with distance from the shore, deepening their understanding of ecological processes. The trip was further enriched by a visit to the site of Forvie village, which was buried by shifting sands in the 1400s, and the remains of its historic kirk.
The day concluded at the new seal haul-out viewing platform at Newburgh, where students carried out ethogram behaviour studies. These studies help monitor seal behaviour and assess whether conservation measures are needed to minimise disturbances. The group learned that the grey seals at Forvie use the site as a resting ground after feeding trips as far away as the Dogger Bank.
This field trip not only reinforced classroom learning but also highlighted the importance of conservation efforts in protecting Scotland’s diverse wildlife. Our sincere thanks to Daryl Short and NatureScot for an inspiring day of discovery at Forvie.