Lundy is a small island in the Bristol channel. It is internationally recognised for its biodiversity and is designated a Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ), Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Middlesex University has been running fieldtrips to Lundy since 2014 and we invite you to join us 4-18 June 2022! The trip will specifically help you develop independent research skills. Many students started a successful dissertation project on the island and some even managed to publish their results. Recruitment is now open. Spaces are limited (14 students max) and we suggest you contact Tom Dickins, Martijn Timmermans or Steve Kett as soon as possible if you are interested in participating.
We are running a diverse set of studies on the island, which are related to mammalian biology, animal behaviour, carnivorous plants, and phenotypic variation. Please contact Steve or Martijn to discuss options! You can also design your own project!
Experiments can be complemented by further analyses on campus (e.g. in Middlesex University’s state of the art laboratories). By participating you can therefore potentially extend your fieldwork and laboratory skills (and enhance your CV)! Even if you do not plan for a career in biodiversity or conservation you can join: the fieldtrip has the potential to give you a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience (but note: it will be hard work, sometimes under strenuous conditions – the fieldtrip is not a holiday!).
To get a flavour of what Lundy has to offer have a look at this short video, visit this gallery or have a look at the student authored papers that resulted from research on the island. For more details on the trip and costs* please visit Prof. Tom Dickins’ website.
* The Faculty of Science and Technology pays for most of the trip but we do ask for a contribution from students. This year we are asking for £250 for the full two week trip, and £125 for one week. For this you will have all transport to and from the trip arranged and paid for, all food covered on the island, and all accommodation covered (including a possible one night stay in Devon if needed to catch a morning boat) including towels and bedding. We provide all scientific equipment required but you might wish to bring your own laptop with you.