We believe that there is no substitute for learning through experience, so the students get to use a variety of apparatus for collecting and measuring environmental samples. We take a van full of equipment with us and students get to use all of it. These visits provide the opportunity to ask about how the companies manage environmental emissions, noise, traffic and how they respond to the pressures of ever tightening environmental regulation and compliance. The Port Talbot area previously supported a number of coal mines and due to the demise of the industry locally, they have been abandoned and now represent a potential source of aquatic pollution through acid mine drainage. A number of investigations are undertaken to examine the water quality of rivers in the area.
Students collect data and compile their results before presenting their findings.
Natural succession on the dune systems at Crymlyn is also investigated and behind the protective screen of the dune system lie saltmarsh deposits. These deposits of fine sediment, which have been built up in successive layers, represent an ideal opportunity to examine the historical record of environmental pollution in the area. Students obtain sediment samples using coring apparatus and analyse the samples for a variety of pollutants, particularly heavy metals. Its not all work and no play on the fieldcourse. The Pelenna Centre is a commercial organisation specialising in providing management training for various industries in south Wales and the West Country.