A set of ideas for in-field ecology investigations into biodiversity, abiotic effects, populations distributions etc. The ideas focus on heathlands, but many could be used in different habitats.

In this field study students use ecological survey techniques and conduct investigations to understand how the environmental (abiotic) conditions in a habitat can affect the presence and distribution of organisms. A combination of in-field measurement, laboratory analyses and computer-based data presentation and analysis are used.

This field study encourages students to act as environmental scientists to compare the biotic and abiotic characteristics of 3 different habitats and decide which habitat should be specially protected by designating it a SSSI.

This resource investigates the impacts of anthropogenic nitrogen pollution on heathland plant communities. The resource provides practical, scientific investigations without the need to organise a field trip. The resource is divided into three separate activities. You do not need to complete all three activities. The activities consider all aspects of scientific investigations from data collection techniques to statistical/graphical analyses. All activities use data that are from, or are based upon, research undertaken at the University of Nottingham.

This teaching pack contains all resources necessary to support a field study in a heathland. Students measure characteristics of the soil, air and vegetation to investigate whether the heathland is being affected by nitrogen pollution.

This pack contains materials to support a study of heathland, one of our most endangered and fragile habitats. It is primarily aimed at students studying KS5 Biology and Environmental Studies. The main aim of this resource is for students to understand the impact that roads can have on heathland habitats, both in terms of anthropogenic nitrogen pollution and habitat fragmentation. The resource provides practical, scientific investigations without the need to organise a field trip. The resource is divided into three separate sections. You do not need to complete all three sections.

The main aim of this resource is for students to understand some of the conflicts surrounding land use in the UK – particularly the conflicts between economic incentives, society, and environmental conservation. The resource also provides a practical introduction to the complexities of managing habitats, with a focus on managing heathland.

This field study encourages students to act as environmental scientists to compare two heathlands one of which has been grazed, one of which hasn’t. The pupils will use the data collected to decide which heathland is better in terms of the plant species present and soil chemistry.

This field study encourages students to investigate the vegetation in a lowland heathland habitat and to use a GPS unit to map habitat fragments. Students could also make management decisions, deciding where to place habitat corridors to help prepare for the possible effects of climate change.

An interactive lesson where students use different sources of information to learn and teach each other about the lowland heathland habitat.