A leading figure in the environment industry visited Rydal Penrhos to discuss an upcoming biodiversity research trip of a lifetime.
Dr Tim Coles OBE, project director and founder of Operation Wallacea, spoke with staff and pupils prior to the Christmas break about the expedition to Honduras, which will depart on June 24 and return on July 7.
During the visit, Dr Coles outlined the programme those taking part will be utilising and answered any questions they may had regarding what is sure to be an unforgettable experience for those involved.
During the first week, each pupil involved will be based in the cloud forests of the Cusuco National Park helping to survey one of the world’s rarest and most endangered forest types.
This data will be used to produce a report for the Honduras Forestry Department who will then be able to use this data to sell Carbon Natural Forest Credits that will help to protect the forest and irreplaceable biodiversity in it.
They will also complete jungle survival skills training, monitor forest structures and work with an international team of biodiversity scientists on projects including invertebrate sampling, using mist nets and point counting for birds, mammal tracking and spotlighting for amphibians and reptiles.
In addition to this, the group will complete a course on Neotropical Forest Ecology and have the chance to learn how to access the canopy with a half day training course from the Canopy Access Ltd team.
During the second week, the group will be based on either Roatan or Utila (islands on the Bay Island chain) and can learn to dive to PADI Open Water level.
If pupils are already dive trained or just wish to snorkel, they can complete a Caribbean reef ecology course where they will learn about the importance of the marine environment, survey techniques and basic fish, invertebrate and coral ID.
Sixteen places have been allocated for the trip, and for more information contact Ian Richardson at IRichardson@rydalpenrhos.com.