Geography Field Trip to Swanage

We left, not too early, on Friday 30^th June at 9 am and arrived in Swanage after lunch. After unpacking our bags we walked to Peveril Point headland. Here we were told about the geology of Swanage bay and of Ballard Down. We carried out our first fieldwork method by drawing a field sketch of our surroundings. After this, we walked down to Swanage beach for some free time where we could buy ice creams and sit on the beach.

On Saturday we were out in the field all day, walking first to Swanage beach to carry out a beach profile and sediment classification. The different coastal management methods being used there were studied and how well they were working was assessed. We next walked along the coastal path and up onto Ballard Down, having lunch on top of the headland. After this we walked to see Old Harry’s rock, a famous sea stack. The weather and landscape were incredible and we were very lucky to see it in such great conditions.

The last morning, was spent up on Peveril Point headland where we carried out a cost-benefit analysis to see which of four locations would be best suited for a wind farm. We looked at both physical and human factors when making the decision. Back down at Swanage beach for the last time, we enjoyed some free time on the beach before being picked up by our coaches and brought home.

We all had a fantastic, but tiring, time in Swanage.