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reflections on our Second year international fieldtrip
Cerys, one of our BA/BSc Geography students, explains how she found our second year fieldtrip to Amsterdam
In their second year, our BA/BSc Geography and BSc Climate, Sustainability and Environmental Management students take part in a shared module called "Fieldwork and GIS for Global Challenges". They can choose between a trip to Iceland to study the physical and social aspects of climate change, hazards and renewable energy, or to Amsterdam to consider sustainable urban design, sustainable transport, and rewilding initiatives. In this blog, Geographer Cerys tells us about her experiences of the rewilding day in Amsterdam!
As part of our second year ‘Fieldwork and GIS for Global Challenges’ module, we went to Amsterdam to study both physical and human aspects of the Netherlands. One and a half hours outside the city, we visited De Maashorst- a new flagship Rewilding Europe site helping restore natural processes by reintroducing keystone species such as European Bison. Whilst practising and advancing our fieldwork skills , we worked together to explore and learn more about this inspirational and transformative project.
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The rewilding day was on our second day in Amsterdam. We started at the hotel where we got a coach one hour and thirty minutes south of the city to the site. We were greeted with perfect weather and friendly faces from the team at Maashorst as we arrived.
The day started with a brief introduction into the site's history and it was interesting to learn about the ways the land had transformed over centuries. As we walked a lap around the site, we stopped to take in the scenery and observe the Taurus and Exmoor ponies as they grazed peacefully. Walking along, it was clear to see just how heavily this area is utilised by visitors- as we conducted our ecology evaluation and site description, we were accompanied by large groups of Taurus who were completely unphased by our presence.​​​
This exercise allowed us to see the ways in which nature and humans can coexist peacefully when in a controlled and monitored environment, but it also showed us how nature reacts positively to mutual respect . I was fascinated watching the way in which the animals reacted to the presence of a large group. It was clear that by respecting them and giving them the space they need, we were not bothering them. As an animal lover myself, I enjoyed discussing with the Maashorst team, the ways in which they monitor the success of these animals' presence.
One of our activities was measuring the bioacoustics of the area. We did this by using audio recording devices . We discussed the emotional, societal and economic effects of rewilding and learnt how important projects like this are to not only the environment, but the people in it. Being able to witness this first hand was truly inspiring and allowed us to consider ways in which we can integrate small-scale rewilding into our lives.
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After a short walk around the park, we had a lunch break in the cafe, where we were given homemade sausage rolls (both meat and veggie options!) before heading out to look for the main attraction; the European Bison.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Image 1: A photo of a Taurus crossing the public footpath
Image 2: A sign showing the way to the Bison!
Prior to our visit, we had researched and mapped the park, meaning that when we arrived we already had some prior knowledge of the scale of this project. However, the true size of the Bison area is incredible and I was shocked at how much space the animals occupied.
As a group we approached the animals with caution however it was clear that they were unphased by our presence. The Maashorst team allowed us to stand and observe them for a while while discussing the ways in which they sustainably manage the herd. I found it really interesting and we were able to ask questions and learn more about this incredible team of people who help to restore the natural equilibrium.
After another beautiful walk around the site, we got on the coach back to the hotel, feeling inspired and grateful to have gotten the opportunity to witness such a remarkable project.
Visiting the Maashorst site was a great experience. Seeing nature and people thrive in the same natural environment helped me to appreciate the importance of conservation and the power of nature when its allowed to reclaim its own space. The Maashorst team were truly inspiring- their knowledge, dedication and passion for protecting wildlife made the visit incredibly meaningful.