Class 3 Fieldwork Visit - RSPB Geltsdale

On Wednesday 29th September 2021 in Class 3, we went on an exciting trip out and up to the fellside, exploring the Geltsdale nature reserve. Our day started out with a lovely walk following a dismantled railway line over to a disused quarry near Forest Head. Here, we explored the moorland and learned about the birds, plants and animals that live and grow there. Our guides told us all about the hen harrier that live in habitats like these and we played a game which taught us about camouflage and how important it is to ground-nesting birds. We then took the bus down to the RSPB building at Geltsdale and enjoyed our lunch before exploring the deciduous woodland around it. First, we explored a piece of newly planted woodland with young trees. Using ID sheets, we carefully observed the shapes of leaves to identify the species of each tree. Once we were secure in naming the different species, we conducted a tree survey to find out how many of each species there were in that area. Finally, we walked up to a mature bit of deciduous woodland to compare it with the younger area. We played a game where we had to look for pictures of woodland animals which were hidden around the wood. Our guide Jack then told us all about each animal. It was a wonderful day; we were extremely lucky with the weather, and it was fantastic to be back out on a trip again.