The SEASHORE

I have been assisting with teaching marine biology to University of York first years since 1977. We take them annually to to the University Marine Biological Station, Millport (UMBSM) every year at the end of June into early July for 10 days during which their learning rate increases in tandem with their enthusiasm. It is a very enriching experience for heir teachers.

Not only have I learnt an awful lot about life in the sea (and student behaviour), but also about the history, topography, geology and natural history of the island of Great Cumbrae where Millport is the town - but almost exclusively during the same few days of mid summer. Cumbrae belongs to a little group of islands in the Firth of Clyde, the largest of which are Arran and Bute. Twice in the Carboniferous period the north of Arran was a volcano and its effect on its surroundings, was immense. South Bute and Little Cumbrae are overlain by basalt lava flows and dykes, which often appear as ridges or even massive walls, have been forced vertically through the rocks over the whole region. Earthquakes led to dramatic fault formation which changed the outlines of the islands, though their presence and ancient movements can still be seen in the landscape. Great Cumbrae is not a large area, so its fascinating geology can easily be explored during a short visit.

CD-ROM - 9 Seashore Ecology Lectures [PowerPoint] When I moved to the Scottish Highlands I discovered British seashore biology at its best and found things I'd not even seen in books. The digital camera recorded everything for me and I soon had a huge picture library. I added all I'd learnt teaching almost thirty annual Millport courses and produced a package of nine lectures for sixth form and university teachers. SEASHORE LECTURES on CD-ROM

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