Geography students visit SW USA

Second year Geography students recently went on a two-week field trip to SW USA.  They visited California, Arizona, Utah and Nevada on their road trip.

Dr Greg Spellman gives instructions for the first day - at Santa Monica pier

The trip enabled students to gain an in-depth understanding of tourism and resource-management issues in SW USA.

Learning about water management at Parker Dam

Tourism and Route 66

We visited a number of National Parks and National Monuments, including Sunset Crater volcano and the Grand Canyon.

At the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park

Walking the Lava Flow Trail at Sunset Crater National Monument

Students completed a number of tasks each day, and developed their research skills.

Working in a National Park visitor centre.

We covered more than 2,000 miles on the trip, staying in a different town most nights.

One of the beautifully-decorated minibuses!

On the road again...

We travelled through some fabulous landscapes.

At Horseshoe Bend.

Monument Valley

After more than a week in the glorious wilderness, we ended the trip with visits to Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Viva Las Vegas!

Standing (a long way in front) of the Hollywood sign.

Professor Jeff Ollerton wins Silver Medal at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Our own Professor Jeff Ollerton has been working with the British Ecological Society on their display for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.  They were awarded a Silver Medal!  Read all about it here.