Students from New Hall School, in Chelmsford, have spent some of their summer holidays on a research expedition in South Africa getting up close to some of the world’s most wonderful wildlife including; cape buffalo, warthog, elephant, giraffe, zebra and crocodiles.
The nine young scientists, from the Catholic independent boarding and day school, had spent two years fundraising in order to pay for the two week trip with the school’s Biology Department, which saw them staying at the stunning Greater Kruger National Park. Their camp was situated next to the Olifants River, which is home to a pod of twenty hippos and where a variety of animals would visit daily. At one point the students witnessed hippos, waterbuck, baboons and crocodile all together on the river bank.
During the trip, students attended lectures about common species found in the area and current conservation issues. They took part in a bush walk and completed bird point counts and habitat assessment surveys. The data the students collected will be used by university scientists to assess the impact that the reserves’ elephants are having on trees and will give measure for habitat destruction.
Students also had the opportunity to complete their scuba diving qualification. This allowed them the unforgettable experience of swimming alongside dolphins, a whale shark and witness humpback whales migrating along the coast to warmer tropical waters. There were further lectures, where students learnt about the coral reef ecosystem and its vulnerability.
One of the students, Alex Bird, aged 18 from Basildon, commented: “It was an absolutely amazing two and a half weeks. From seeing the game at Kruger and the coral reefs in the Indian Ocean I have learnt an awful lot about the animals in South Africa over the course of the trip, both terrestrial and marine species; alongside the significance of conservation in such pristine environments. A truly awesome experience with great people, places and things to see; buffalo, elephants, humpback whales and turtles being the highlights. I will definitely come and visit again!”
Katherine Jeffrey, Principal of New Hall School said: “We are proud of the co-curricular opportunities available to students at New Hall. On this occasion, the students were able to demonstrate their leadership and enterprising skills by organising their own fundraising in order to go on this incredible adventure. I am sure the learning experiences they had will remain with them for a very long time.”
New Hall School gets wild
