Geography Southwest Newsbites November 2022
Welcome to our November 2022 Geography Southwest Newsbites. Here you will find details of events and training courses for the second half of the autumn term, details of some exciting new resources, and recent news items.
Please also take a look at our Primary Newsbites for November which you can find on he Primary News page, here.
Geography events
The Royal Geographical Society (RGS) is running a series of events for students. Details can be found on their website. Royal Geographical Society - School student events (rgs.org)
These in-person events in London are aimed at both students and teachers. They include Going Places with Geography KS3 on 14 November, Going Places with GCSE Geography on 18 November and an A level study day on Wednesday 30 November. Students can attend either the morning or afternoon sessions. Royal Geographical Society - A Level Study Day – Morning session (rgs.org)
The RGS programme of teacher events in the autumn term includes:
- Stretch and Challenge in Geography, 16 November, online, 5.00pm-6.30pm, members £30, non-members £40
- Creativity in the Geography Curriculum, 23 November, online, 5.00pm-6.00pm, free
The RGS programme of lectures can be viewed on their website, including both online and in person events. Royal Geographical Society - Browse our events (rgs.org) Please be aware that some events book up quickly and may become fully booked. The programme of November events include:
Thursday 17 November at 5pm: (in-person) Most Unimaginably Strange – an eclectic view of Iceland by Professor Chris Caseldine at Exeter School, Exeter. Royal Geographical Society - Most Unimaginably Strange - Professor Chris Caseldine (rgs.org)
Wednesday 30 November at 7pm: (in-person) Tickets for the Ark – how do we choose what species to save? By Rebecca Nesbit at Devonport lecture theatre, University of Plymouth. Royal Geographical Society - Tickets for the Ark: how do we choose what to save - Rebecca Nesbit (rgs.org)
Monday 28 November. School Member Lecture – 39 ways to save the planet – Tom Heap and Dr Tamsin Edwards (online and in person)
Tuesday 6 December 4pm. (online) – Introduction to a new teaching resource on El Nino with case studies based on Peru. Royal Geographical Society - Introduction to a new teaching resource - El Niño: Phenomenon of opportunities (rgs.org)
The Geographical Association has a range of autumn term events.
Geography know how: KS3 subject updates provides six 40-minute webinars starting on Tuesday 1 November. GEO: A level subject knowledge updates (geography.org.uk) provides six 40-minute webinars focussing on core A level topics.
Thinking like a geographer provides three webinars on the 16, 23 and 30 November from 4pm to 5pm looking at the critical use data in the geography classroom particularly at GCSE and A level. Thinking like a geographer: using data critically in the secondary classroom (geography.org.uk)
There is still time to join the online webinar Writing up your NEA. This consists of five 40-minute sessions and schools joining it will receive a recording of the course to watch as many times as they want. Writing up your NEA (geography.org.uk)
Hodder still have spaces on their new Hazards Conference for A level students which is being run at three locations in November, providing the opportunity to inspire your students with a day of insights from leading geographers working on the latest academic research and Hazards topics. The 2022 Hazards Student Conference - Hodder Education
- Albert Hall, Nottingham: Friday, 18th November 2022
- Audacious Church, Manchester: Wednesday, 23rd November 2022
- Aldwych Theatre, London: Friday, 25th November 2022
Hodder Education's expert panel will inspire your students with the most contemporary research, giving them real-world insights that they can turn into greater knowledge and apply in their studies.
Discover the World Updates:
Discover the World Education’s new CPD explores the value of imagery in the classroom and why imagery is important. The advantages and disadvantages of incorporating images into our teaching pedagogy will be discussed, along with ways you can embed valuable imagery into your practice. This CPD is led by popular Discover the World Education Travel Manager, Karen Corfield. This CPD is 60 minutes plus discussion time and can be extended to 120 minutes if required. https://www.discover-the-world.com/study-trips/free-cpd-workshops/
Do also look at the Discover the World’s annual inspection visit for teachers is now open for booking. The 6-day visit to Iceland in 2023 includes full accommodation and travel within Iceland and will visit the spectacular sites of the south and west. Teacher Inspection Trips (discover-the-world.com)
Connecting the Culm Forum #5! From "What If" to "What Next"
Connecting the Culm will be holding their next forum at the Cullompton Community Centre at 7pm on Thursday 17th November, Rob Hopkins will lead the discussions looking at Vision for the Culm and the Blueprint Action Plan that will make that Vision a reality. You can book your place here.
ESRI has a series of on-line events in October and November on teaching with GIS, starting on October 15th, 2022. Teach with GIS UK
On Tuesday 13 December from 4pm to 4.30pm, join Katie & Dave for ideas on using ArcGIS Online to support and enhance your teaching of rivers, coasts and the water cycle. The session will focus on using basic tools in ArcGIS Online, teaching tools found on the Teach With GIS UK hub and will give you some ideas and inspiration that you can plan into your next lessons on these topics. Further geography topics will feature in the ESRI programme for Spring 2023.
Opportunity to contribute to Climate Change survey
The Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Education (CCCSE) at University College London is investigating teachers’ views related to climate change and sustainability through a nation-wide survey. The survey aims to deepen understanding of teachers’ practice relating to climate change and sustainability. The survey is aimed at all teachers across all key stages and will inform future programmes to support teaching of the topics. If you wish to contribute, please follow this link to take the survey which takes around 20 minutes to complete and will be open until Friday 9 December 2022. If you complete it, your school will automatically be entered into a draw to win one of two £100 prizes to purchase climate change and sustainability teaching resources. https://qualtrics.ucl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_25kSVF2t8acoA5M
The Centre of Climate Change and Sustainable Education (CCCSE) is also running on-line events in November.
On 16 November at 4pm, it is supporting an online British Council Education Exchange event entitled Climate education - embedding across the whole curriculum. This webinar will include a panel of teachers from different parts of the world talking about how they are embedding climate education into their practice in different ways. Click here to find out more and to register.
On 7 December at 5pm there is a partnership event delivered by the Centre and UCL’s Development Education Research Centre, aiming to critically engage with approaches to Education for Sustainability . They have invited prominent UK-based sustainability education experts Stephen Scoffham and Steve Rawlinson to speak about their work and recent publication, Sustainability Education which provides an accessible, in-depth guide to and critique of sustainability education.
The CCCSE is also developing a Professional Development Programme for Teachers of history and geography to be launched in 2023. If you are interested in piloting any materials, please contact climateeducation@ucl.ac.uk.
Geography resources
Gov.UK resources: The Gov.UK website provides frequent updates on river and flood alleviation projects and has recently provided details of work on the River Severn near Malvern, at Exmouth in South Devon, and at Newlyn in Cornwall. Also recently added is a report on the role forests play in flood management.
River Flood alleviation: Environment Agency starts work in spring on Severn Stoke flood scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) summarises work currently being undertaken at Severn Stoke to protect housing and the A38 trunk road from river flooding.
Coastal protection at Exmouth: The £12 million Exmouth tidal defence scheme is complete - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) is a detailed press release announcing the completion of the £12 million Exmouth tidal defence scheme.
This scheme aims to reduce the risks of local flooding due to climate change and rising sea levels in low lying areas of Exmouth. The risks to residents in over 1400 homes and 400 local businesses has been reduced. Flood embankments and walls have been raised along the Exe Estuary, Along the coastal esplanade, new walls and 26 new flood gates will prevent water from high tides and storm waves flooding into Exmouth and a new drainage system will help return water to the sea. The press release includes links to further information and photos. You can also read an article about Exmouth flood defences elsewhere on this website here
Forests and flood protection: First ever UK woodland natural flood management guide published - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) This new guide shows how forests can reduce the damaging effects of flooding on communities and reduce the financial impacts. It shows how tree planting can reduce runoff and lower flood peaks. It also shows how certain woodland management operations such as tree harvesting, and road construction can increase flooding if not appropriately managed. This publication will provide a range of ideas and examples for the classroom, and could also provide ideas for students researching a NEA who have access to a local area of woodland.
The document can be downloaded here Designing and managing forests and woodlands to reduce flood risk - Forest Research and a hard copy can also be ordered.
Research on ecoblocks – new technology for sea defences at Newlyn, Cornwall: Newlyn coastal research and development project - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
A research project in Cornwall led by the Environment Agency is looking at how traditional hard defences to protect areas from flooding and coastal erosion can increase biodiversity and reduce carbon. Low carbon concrete units designed to provide habitats for marine life as well as acting as coastal armour are being tried at Newlyn in Cornwall. Called ecoblocks, the materials used match the natural pH of the sea and have features that match the natural shoreline rocky seabed, such as rock pools and crevices. The project is studying how ecoblocks work in a high wave energy environment at the existing sea wall and breakwater at Newlyn. After an initial trial which showed that the ecoblocks did attract marine life, 90 blocks will be put in place and monitored. If the project is a success, ecoblocks could be used instead of traditional rock armour where hard defences are required.
Data on Rainfall and river flow: Useful figures for teachers looking for relevant data on rainfall and river flows since start of the autumn term can be found by following this link. Rainfall and river flow: weekly reports for England - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Despite the heavy rainstorms experienced in part of the UK during October, the data shows how many rivers are still at low flow following the dry summer, illustrating the importance of soil moisture and ground water recharge.
Discover the World Classroom Resources (discover-the-world.com) have added to their range of free resources including interactive GIS Maps of Iceland & Mallorca and classroom resources, bringing the sights and sounds of these destinations to your classroom. Informative videos include case studies on Eyjafjallajökull and Solheimajokull, and a new case study resource pack on Fagradalsfjall, the volcano on the Reykjanes peninsular which renewed its eruptions in summer 2022. Fagradalsfjall Case Study Resource Pack (discover-the-world.com)
Geography news
Green Jobs for Nature has a campaign to promote jobs in the ecology and environmental management sector to young people and potential career changers. It is launching a new Green Jobs for Nature website before Green Jobs Careers Week in early November which through job profiles will promote the variety of jobs available and the wide range of employers. Contributions from those who work in ecology and environmental management are needed and if you are able to help please go to the Green Jobs for Nature project webpage, and fill in the form.
M5 shopping village with 90 shops to be fully open in 2024
A major new retail park is under construction at Junction 9 of the M5 at Tewkesbury, close to the Worcestershire-Gloucestershire border. The complex will include 90 shops, particularly designer outlets offering between 30 and 70% reductions. The motorway links and car parking for over 2000 cars means that the shopping village is expected to attract customers from a 90-mile radius, with around 10 million potential customers living within range. The first stores are due to open in 2023. The complex has been designed as a premium retail and leisure destination with a focus on fashion and will include a range of restaurants and cafes. Artist impressions show that the barn-like buildings and wide walkways will create the feeling of a country village. This development is one of several examples of new retailing outlets being sited alongside motorway or dual carriageway junctions.
M5 shopping village with 90 shops to open in 2024 - Devon Live
Devon areas at risk from flooding
As autumn progresses, the risks of heavy rain on saturated ground means that rivers are more likely to flood. A report from January 2022 shows areas of Devon that are at risk from flooding by 2050 through a combination of rising sea level and more intense rainfall events. Many areas are close to the sea, but flood risk along rivers and estuaries is also increasing. The report was written by Climate Central, an independent organisation of leading scientists and journalists who research climate change and its impact on the public. The Devon Live website includes maps of areas at risk and a video on What to do in a Flood. Worrying map shows huge areas of Devon underwater by 2050 - Devon Live
New sustainable transport initiative from Coras Rail and Network Rail
Coras Rail and Network Rail have worked together to create a new, sustainable transport method for sawn logs from South Devon. Sidings at Newton Abbot have been upgraded with improved road access to enable logs from nearby local woods to be delivered to freight trains. The logs can then be moved by rail 92 miles to Abergavenny in South Wales and a nearby sawmill and wood product factory. Each train can take 320 tonnes, which would otherwise need 76 lorries to drive the wood by road. The logs are grown as part of sustainable forestry plantations. The transport route has been tested and In the future, it is hoped to operate trains of 18 wagons carrying 720 tonnes. Improvement work at Hackney Hard Newton Abbot has also included strengthened a road bridge to take 44 tonne HGV lorries which will deliver logs and also aggregates from the local area for onward transport by train.
Trees for Devon
The Saving Devon’s Treescapes Project spearheaded by Devon Wildlife Trust with 16 partnership organisations is aiming to nature and plant 250,000 trees in Devon by 2025. The County is predicted to lose 90% of its ash trees due to the ash dieback fungal disease. Saving Devon’s Treescapes aims to plant new native species including oak, birch, rowan and crab apples. The new trees will be planted away from existing woods along wildlife corridors such as hedgerows and footpaths, the coastline, gardens, community spaces and in new woods up to a hectare in size. The new trees will help fill gaps left by death of ash trees. To ensure a steady supply of locally sourced tree saplings, the project has developed its own tree nursery at Devon Wildlife Trust’s Meeth Quarry nature reserve near Hatherleigh and a second nursery at the National Trust’s Heathfield Farm near Exeter will open in 2023. Local seeds are collected by trained local volunteers and nurtured in beds of peat free compost until they are ready to be planted out. The 2022-2023 tree planting season will be launched on Saturday 26 November at the community tree nursery at Meeth. Free trees will be available to take home with important guidelines for their upkeep, alongside tours of the nursery. Devon charity to plant 250,000 trees over next four years | Devon Wildlife Trust
National protection for lowland heaths in West Cornwall.
3100 hectares at Penwith Moors in the south west of Cornwall which featured in the Poldark films was notified by Natural England as a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) in October 2022. Stretching from St Just to St Ives, the area has a mosaic of lowland heath, grassland, acid fen and pockets of woodland of national importance to wildlife. An incredible variety of rare plants, insects and birds can be found, including rare lichens growing on granite outcrops. There is a rich diversity of invertebrates and the Dartford Warbler breeds on the heathlands. Natural England will continue to work in partnership with local landowners, farmers and the community to promote sustainable farming and nature recovery. Landscapes such as Penwith Moors are a huge asset for the Cornish economy, drawing in investment from the national and international tourisms sectors. Following a four month period of consultation, a decision will be made whether to confirm, amend or withdraw the SSSI status.