North Wales Fieldwork

Students on all courses in the subject cluster (Geography, Environmental Management, Tourism, Leisure, Outdoor Recreation) use Liverpool Hope University’s own field centre, Plas Caerdeon, in the Snowdonia National Park.

- Plas Caerdeon

- Plas Caerdeon

Plas Caerdeon is between Barmouth and Dolgellau. It overlooks the Mawddach estuary, arguably the most picturesque estuary in Wales, and across the estuary is the spectacular mountain of Cadair Idris.

- The Mawdach estuary

- The Mawdach estuary and Cadair Idris from Plas Caedeon

Plas Caerdeon is set in its own grounds, consisting of western oak woodland of high conservation value. The woodland floor is carpeted with mosses and liverworts, typical of this type of woodland. Plas Caerdeon has been proposed as a potential Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Many of these woodlands in North Wales have been invaded by Rhododendrons, a species non-native to the UK. Rhododendrons spread very rapidly and dominate the woodland floor, excluding almost all native plant and animal species. We ask students to help us maintain the quality of our woodland by clearing Rhododendrons.

- Seedling Rhododendron becoming established in the mosses of the woodland floor

Geography and Environmental Management students are taken to Caerdeon for a weekend early in their course. The weekend is a great opportunity for staff and students to get to know each other. Students are taught some introductory geographical skills and concepts.

- Using maps in Caerdeon grounds

- Taking a break for the view above Plas Caerdeon

Students are asked to start thinking as geographers and to consider the physical and human elements of the landscape area in terms of ‘place’. What is distinctive about this area? What makes it different from anywhere else? We also investigate a small abandoned settlement close to Plas Caerdeon, and use evidence from fieldwork observations, maps and archive material to explore reasons why the settlements were abandoned.

– Making fieldwork notes on the abandoned settlement

Environmental Management and physical geography students are able to use of the habitats around Caerdeon for ecological studies.

- Plas Caerdeon stream

- Studying the coastal dunes of North Wales

Leisure and Tourism students, also spend a week at Plas Caerdeon early in their course. They investigate tourism and leisure participation in and around Snowdonia. Some students have the opportunity to experience outdoor recreation activities such as kayaking, abseiling and rock climbing. Students also visit local tourism attractions such as Harlech castle, the Ffestiniog railway and the Llechwedd slate mines.

- First year students on the Ffestiniog railway

Students tend to enjoy this trip very much – not only because they get to experience the joys of the North Wales’ countryside in November, but also because they get to know their new class mates and make new friends.