Geography Pupils Investigate the Impact of Tourism
GCSE Geography pupils took part in a residential field trip to the beautiful Lake District last week, investigating the impact of tourism on the landscape of Grasmere.
Using a variety of qualitative and quantitative data sources, the girls generated in-depth research into the suitability of the location. They produced supporting field sketches outlining how the physical landscape can impact the pattern of land use, and the resulting environmental implications.
Continuing with their research into the ramifications of human interactions with nature, Day 2 began with a river study, aimed at determining how velocity changes downstream, and the ways in which humans can interfere with this. In a particularly enjoyable experience for the team, the girls measured and calculated the stream flow, getting slightly soaked in the process!
“I really enjoyed the Geography field trip. It was amazing to see everything we learned in the textbooks come alive, and back up all the points with real examples. My favourite part of the field trip was measuring Glenderaterra Beck on the second day. It was beautiful to look at the landforms that the river had created and, even though we got a bit wet, we all had fun looking at the rainbow and collecting data. It is by far the best trip I have ever been on!” – Flora, Year 10
“My favourite experience from the Geography trip was being able to see glacial landforms and rivers from our textbooks in the real landscape, as it allowed you to understand them better. Measuring the rivers in the valley was very enjoyable because we were able to be out in nature, viewing the waterfalls and tributaries we’ve been learning about. The evenings relaxing at the Centre were also good, of course!” – Beatrice, Year 11
Highlights of the trip also included:
“Measuring the river and splashing around in it.” – Lorna, Year 10
“The walk to the river and the bedroom dance party.” – Ellie, Year 10
“Going to Grasmere and seeing the planes. Also doing an environmental quality survey.” – Erin, Year 10
“Measuring the velocity of the river was fun!” – Lila, Year 10
“Going in the rivers and taking lots of photographs.” – Elizabeth, Year 10
“Learning how geographers study rivers, measuring width, depth, velocity, and bedload size.” – Vivian, Year 11
Others enjoyed the data collection process and how it allowed them to interact with tourists from a variety of walks of life. Yasmine in Year 10 said, “I liked socialising with different people and seeing the scenery and landscape in real life.” While Lilia in Year 11 added, “Going to Grasmere and carrying out questionnaires which allowed me to meet people from all across the UK was a highlight for me.”
The girls were equally enthused by the landscapes and how it compared to the visuals in their school textbooks. A highlight of the trip for Zara in Year 10 was, “getting to see the beautiful scenery and the landscapes from a high point”. Similarly, Emilia in Year 10 added, “Seeing the scenery and the glacial features in person was fun!”.
“I liked the scenery, sandwich bar and Hannah’s half cartwheel” – Florence, Year 10
“Going on the long walk and measuring the rivers. I loved the waterfall, and I am glad I didn’t get too wet.” – Sophie, Year 10
In a last-minute adaptation to cater to adverse weather conditions, the final day was spent investigating glacial landforms such as ribbon lakes, drumlins, truncated spurs, and glacial troughs around Keswick. Despite the heavy downpour, the girls remained in high spirits as they walked up a crag and tail glacial feature in Castlehead Wood which offered fantastic views across Derwentwater.
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