For GCSE Geography, students look at climate and biomes which includes looking at rainforest climates, how animals adapt to this, deforestation and its impact. At the centre today the students received a number of educational talks to support their learning in this topic as well as seeing a number of different endangered species. A full student report from Aaryan H (Fourth Form) below:

‘Today, ten of us visited the Hemsley Conservation Centre for a Geography field trip. We arrived at 10:15am and began with a brief tour of the zoo before attending an 11 a.m. presentation on Biomes. The speaker delivered an insightful and engaging talk on global ecosystems, emphasising the role of food chains and the delicate balance of their infinite cycles.

After the talk, we explored the centre, observing a wide array of species, many of which are endangered. The keepers shared valuable information about ongoing conservation efforts to protect these animals and their natural habitats.

Following a second walk around the centre, we attended a 1pm talk focused on illegal items made from endangered animal skins that are smuggled into the UK. The speaker explained how individuals caught with such items (like illegal snakeskin) can face severe penalties, including up to seven years in prison and an unlimited fine. We were shown a box sent to the conservation centre from Heathrow Airport, containing five illegal products that had been seized from travellers.

After the talk, we took one last tour of the zoo and had the opportunity to speak with a keeper about the origins and characteristics of specific animals including the otters, squirrel monkeys and Ocelots.

Before departing, Miss Cakebread and Mrs Nelson arranged for us to feed Teeto the Tapir, which was a highlight for everyone and a wonderful way to conclude our visit. Following the exciting day we had embarked we headed back to school.’