From April 27 to May 1, 2026, the School of Environment at Nanjing University and the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham, held a Freshwater Ecology Field Course in the Bala region of North Wales, United Kingdom.
As a signature initiative of the NJU-UoB Joint Centre for Research and Education in Climate, Environment & Health, the course brought together students from both universities to conduct field sampling and ecological investigations in three rivers: Afon Alwen, Afon Brenig and Afon Hirnant. Through mixed-group collaboration, students engaged in a series of intensive field and laboratory activities, including river habitat assessment, water chemistry measurement, kick sampling, aquatic macroinvertebrate identification, food-web analysis, and group-based research projects.
Before and during the course, students received systematic training in freshwater ecology theory and standard methods for riverine ecological research. Introductory lectures delivered by Dr. Mark Ledger and Ms. Melanie Bickerton helped students understand the scientific background of the River Dee catchment, the ecological characteristics of Bala, the influence of river regulation and catchment land use, and the broader environmental issues facing freshwater ecosystems.
During the field practice, students conducted comparative investigations of the regulated streams Afon Alwen and Afon Brenig. Working in small groups, they measured key physicochemical parameters, recorded habitat characteristics, and collected benthic macroinvertebrate samples using standardised kick-sampling methods. The samples were then sorted, identified, and analysed in the laboratory, enabling the students to explore relationships between river habitats, water chemistry, and biological communities.
The core part of the course was independent group research mini-projects at Afon Hirnant, a typical upland stony stream with diverse microhabitats. Student groups explored scientific topics including substrate size and invertebrate community structure, catastrophic drift under flow disturbance, predator–prey relationships in the stream food web, and the influence of water velocity on species distribution. These mini-projects encouraged the students to formulate hypotheses, design field investigation plans, collect and analyse data, and present their findings through collaborative discussion.
The field course provided students with valuable training in ecological observation, scientific reasoning, research approaches, data analysis and academic communication. It also strengthened exchange and cooperation between students and faculties from both universities. Nanjing University will continue to expand high-quality international practice platforms, supporting students in developing professional competence, practical skills, and a global perspective in earth and environmental sciences.
