Resource #V111111

Précis

This is a geography (and possible Biology crossover) resource which engages students with the physical Geography of Lymington Harbour, and the surrounding area of the Solent, while on their ferry crossing to/from the Isle of Wight. It includes pre-visit, on-site, and post-visit activities. This resource focuses on students learning about the salt marsh ecosystems which extend along from the Lymington River Estuary to Keyhaven, behind Hurst Spit.

Contextual Summary

The resource leads students through knowing what salt marshes are and how they develop, including the concept of vegetation succession. All key terms associated with the topic area are highlighted so that students will understanding what they mean.

Curriculum Relevance

Geography → Human and Physical Geography → Physical Geography

Implementation

hrough map work and photo interpretation students then examine the location and extent, and the key characteristics, of the salt marshes here. They also conduct some research to help them to familiarise themselves more closely with the salt marshes in this particular location, including developing an awareness of their importance on a local, national and international scale. While on the ferry crossing, students will be able to observe the salt marshes first-hand. A variety of tasks enables them to fully investigate what they are like, what some of the threats to them are and the impacts of these threats, and also make observations of some of the management strategies that are in place to protect them. On their return to school, students then work in small groups to research and present on a given topic/role, linked with the management of this stretch of coast and the coastal salt marsh ecosystems here.

Key Skills Practised

• Understanding key processes in physical and human geography
• Conducting fieldwork by making observations and applying their observations to specific tasks, such as field sketching and photo annotation
• Map work, photo interpretation and use of GIS
• Development of literacy skills
• Carrying out independent as well as group activities.

Learning Opportunities

Pre-Visit

Students will learn what salt marshes are and how they develop, and will also learn about the characteristics of the salt marsh ecosystems at Lymington and Keyhaven.

On Site

Students will make observations from the ferry in order to understand the physical characteristic of the salt marsh are, threats to the ecosystem and how these are being managed.

Post-Visit

Students work in groups to investigate and present a given topic area to the class, to do with the management of the coastal system/ecosystem in this location.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to define what a salt marsh is and be able to describe succession in a salt marsh to explain its development over time. Students will be able to describe the location of, and the key characteristics of, the salt marsh ecosystem at Lymington ? Keyhaven. Students will be able to describe the species of flora and fauna that are located here, and describe the importance of the salt marsh ecosystem. Students will be able to name key threats to the ecosystem. Students will be able to describe the likely impacts of climate change on the salt marsh ecosystem. Students will be able to describe and explain a variety of management approaches and techniques, including the role of SMP?s and conservation designations, in managing the salt marsh ecosystem and wider coastal area.