Reaseheath students to raise funds for local cancer charity

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Reaseheath College has named North West Cancer Research as its chosen charity of the year.

Students at the leading land-based college in Nantwich voted for the charity after learning of its commitment to supporting cancer research in the North West.

Members of Reaseheath’s Student Association plan to raise more than £15,000 for North West Cancer Research over the next 12 months by hosting a series of fundraising events. Already planned are several band nights, a staff versus students Tough Mudder challenge and a Halloween cellar tour.

The students will also support the charity in its awareness raising campaigns which run throughout the year, such as its #suncreamselfie campaign, which highlights sun safety and skin cancer symptoms.

The funds they raise will go towards potentially lifesaving research at universities in Liverpool, Lancaster and Bangor. Projects currently supported by North West Cancer Research include the improvement of skin cancer drug treatments and the use of proton beam therapies in the treatment of patients with head and neck cancers.

Student Association RAG (Raising and Giving) Chair Tom Allen, a BSc Wildlife Conservation and Ecology undergraduate, said: “Cancer is a horrible disease which unfortunately touches so many people. We all know someone close to us who has sadly been diagnosed with cancer, or lost a loved one to it.

“As a student group we have always been keen to support local causes and charities which make a real impact to our everyday lives. When we learned of the work which North West Cancer Research does to fund lifesaving research, we knew it was a charity we wanted to support. Knowing that the money we raise will help researchers who are based locally, and that this research could potentially help people on our doorstep, was really important to us.

“We are looking forward to raising money for the charity and doing our bit to support cancer research. It’s important that we do everything we can to help give more people a chance to survive cancer, which is why we hope to raise as much money as possible in the next year.”

Over the past 28 years, students and staff at Reaseheath College have raised more than £248,000 for local charities.

Bobby Magee, fundraising manager at North West Cancer Research, said: “We are proud to have been selected as Reaseheath College’s charity of the year. Support from community groups is crucial to our fundraising as it enables us to engage with the wider community and pledge more funding for research.

“Cancer will affect one in two of us during our lifetime. Today, thanks to research, half of all people diagnosed with cancer will survive. With the help of supporters like these students, we can help eliminate cancer and save more lives sooner.”

North West Cancer Research is the biggest independent funder of cancer research in the North West and has committed to funding more than £13 million worth of research over the next five years.

Header image caption: Members of Reaseheath’s Student Association let their hair down at this year’s RAG charity ball.

 

 

New lizard species identified by Reaseheath lecturer

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Research by Reaseheath herpetologist Dr Simon Maddock has helped to formally identify a new species of Indian lizard, the Giri’s geckoella Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) varadgiri.

A scientific paper containing a species description of the lizard, which was co-written by Simon, has been published today (Friday 23 September)  in the peer reviewed scientific journal Zootaxa following an in-depth examination by scientific experts.  A species description gives a clear description of a new species and explains how it differs from species which have been described previously.

Simon was a member of a collaborative research team from the UK, India and the USA to study the prominently patterned bent-toed gecko, which comes from Western and Central India. The lizard, which is 6cm – 7cm in total length, was named after esteemed Indian herpetologist Varad Giri in recognition of his contribution to Indian herpetology while he was a Curator at the Bombay Natural History Society.

The research, which was led by Ishan Agarwal of Villanova University, USA, used a combination of DNA and external characteristics to identify the new species. Although Giri’s geckoella has been documented for over 20 years, it was until now believed that the population belonged to the closely related forest spotted gecko (Geckoella collegalensis) from Southern India.

Giri’s geckoella is quite widely distributed and can be found from sea level around Mumbai up to approximately 350 m in deciduous forest, scrub and agricultural land. The species is active at night where it can be seen moving along the floor, during the day it retreats under rocks and logs. If disturbed, the lizard will make a defensive squealing call.

Simon, who is a Course Manager for our Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management, completed his Level 3 National Diploma in Animal Management with us in 2007 before studying for a Masters Degree in Zoology at Bangor University, followed by a PhD jointly funded by London’s Natural History Museum and the University College London. He is currently a Research Associate of the Natural History Museum and is a world expert on the amphibians of the Seychelles.

Simon said: “The identification of this new species of lizard is extremely exciting and one of particular importance to the biodiversity of Central and Western India. It is likely that, over the coming years, more species belonging to this group of lizards will be discovered and described as new species.”

Simon has been involved in a number of key research projects and he has been a speaker at several global conferences. His published research can be found here.

Read more about this new species of Indian lizard here.

Chance to fund research of rare lizards

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An exciting crowd funding opportunity has been launched to send two Reaseheath animal science lecturers to Ecuador to help in the study of two rare and endangered species of lizard, Riama yumborum and Riama oculata.

Read more

BBC Radio Stoke enjoys a visit to Reaseheath Zoo

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Reaseheath herpetologist speaks at World Congress in China

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Reaseheath herpetologist Simon Maddock was among international experts to speak at the 8th World Congress of Herpetology, held in China last month.

Simon, a former Reaseheath student who has now joined our lecturing staff, is recognised globally for his research on the ecology, conservation and evolution of Seychelles caecillians (legless amphibians), a subject he studied for his PhD. He was one of six invited speakers at the Caecilian Symposium, where he presented his findings on his speciality to an audience of fellow scientists from around the world. Other speakers included representatives from London’s Natural History Museum, the world leader in caecilian biology.

Simon, who is a Course Manager for our Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management, was also able to spend time at the five day congress networking with fellow scientists, discussing potential global collaborations and learning about state-of-the-art research.  His congress registration fee was funded through Reaseheath’s Scholarly Activity Fund and he will use his experiences to help with the delivery of lectures and for running research projects for undergraduates and Further Education students.

He explained: “Taking part in these conferences gives you the chance to interact with world renowned biologists. Following my talk I received a lot of approaches from delegates keen to exchange ideas and form research partnerships, and these could greatly benefit our students as well as the species we are studying.”

Simon completed his Level 3 National Diploma in Animal Management with us in 2007 and went on to volunteer with the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust in India, where he helped to care for 600 captive crocodiles. He then completed a Masters degree in zoology at Bangor University before moving to London to study for his PhD, which was jointly funded by the Natural History Museum and the University College London.

He has previously given a talk about the evolution of Seychelles amphibians and snakes at similarly prestigious conferences including Evolution which was held in North Carolina, USA. His published research can be found here.

Simon was also the author of a top trending scientific article after identifying a new Australian species – a highly venomous snake called the Kimberley death adder.

He also discovered a new species of leaf litter lizard from the Ecuadorian Andes, the Yumbos riama lizard, after studying the country’s reptiles and amphibians.

Caption:  Simon and other international speakers at the Caecilian Symposium, which was part of the World Congress of Herpetology

Research may lead to better life for sun beetles

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Research by a Reaseheath College lecturer may lead to improved welfare and living conditions for sun beetles (Pachnoda marginata peregrina).

HE Lecturer in Animal Management James Brereton has been investigating the requirements of the sun beetle, a species widely held in zoos and private collections. No previous detailed research has been carried out on the insects’ physical and social requirements or on the suitability of current enclosures for the species.

James began the project, which is still continuing, in September 2015 and is studying his own collection and another held at Reaseheath zoo. In the first five and a half months of the trial he completed 1135 observations which included counting the number of beetles in each zone of the enclosure and whether they preferred leaf litter, live plants, fake plants or logs.

The beetles were identified by individual markings made with nail varnish. He also looked at their food preferences and their response to natural changes in temperature and UV light.

James’ results suggest that the beetles significantly increase their use of higher enclosure areas in response to UV light and that their activity levels increase in response to higher temperatures. He also found that some survived for over 10 months when it was previously thought they only have a life expectancy of five months. His studies unearthed the fact that the beetles spend an average of 34% of their lives below ground, a fact not previously appreciated.

The implications are that sun beetles will be more active and of more interest to the public if they have basking light in their enclosure, and that providing UV light may increase animal welfare.

James has presented the results of his project and how these could affect best practice to over 200 professionals at the Association of British and Irish Wild Animal Keepers (ABWAK) annual conference and to over 80 specialists at the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Research Conference. Some attendees were so interested in his findings that they are considering setting up their own research projects.

He is continuing to investigate the social behaviour and preferred food of this understudied species and has already found evidence that the beetles have individual characters and that they form social bonds. He is currently writing up the data and hopes to publish next year.

James is hoping that his research will help to change the public’s perception of sun beetles, as well as improving the care of captive collections.

He points out: “We know a lot about large mammals and birds but not a lot about smaller species, which can be equally fascinating. The more we learn about them, the more able we are to provide them with relevant accommodation and nutrition.

“Enclosure design has developed into a science and has become a key study area. There is a need for evidence-based enclosures which reflect the biological needs of their inhabitants. Hopefully my research will lead to improved enclosure design and better care for sun beetles in the future.”

 

Reaseheath College welcomes new Shropshire partnership

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Reaseheath College in Cheshire and North Shropshire College have announced that they are to form a federation which will benefit students, communities and businesses.

Both colleges specialise in land-based subjects and technical and vocational qualifications, are in a strong phase of continuous growth and improvement and share a long history of delivering quality education. It is felt that, by working together to combine resources, expertise and reputation, the colleges will build on their strengths and will offer an even wider and better educational experience to further and higher education students and to apprentices. It is also envisaged that the closer collaboration will have a positive impact on the local economies of both counties by providing enhanced links with industry partners and local communities.

The federation, which comes into operation this month, follows extensive research by governing bodies from both colleges. The results showed that a federation would best secure the future of quality, land based education and general technical and vocational education in Shropshire, Cheshire and the wider region.

Although both colleges are committed to working together, they will remain independent and retain their own names and campuses within the federation. With support from the Skills Funding Agency, and where it is considered to be in the best interests of the students, the governing bodies will explore closer ties in the future. This could include the possibility of a merger at a later date if the interests and circumstances of both colleges are in alignment. In the meantime, senior managers will facilitate the sharing of good practice, support and staff development across the colleges.

The new partnership is supported by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills’ Area Review of Post 16 Education, which is committed to a move towards fewer and larger colleges which will be more resilient and efficient in the future.

Reaseheath Principal Meredydd David said: “This fantastic opportunity will allow both colleges to move forward and to respond together to the challenges and opportunities facing the Further and Higher Education sector. Across the country, all colleges are tasked with ‘doing more with less’. We have a more important role than ever in supporting young people, local businesses and those seeking employment.

“There are great benefits to two institutions with very similar values, ambitious vision and national reputation for quality, working together. This can only benefit stakeholders, staff and students and offers an extremely exciting prospect for the region.”

North Shropshire College Principal Jackie Doodson said: “Our governing body has carried out extensive research and appraised its options rigorously. As a result, it has concluded that a partnership with Reaseheath College will best secure the long term future of high quality land based provision for Shropshire along with high quality vocational education and training for Oswestry and rural North Shropshire.

“We will share best practice to improve the quality of provision and facilities, and our strengthened financial sustainability and resilience will enable us to grow the number and range of HE and FE courses we offer.”

Header image caption: Reaseheath Principal Meredydd David and Chair of Governors Richard Ratcliffe celebrate the new federation with North Shropshire College’s Principal Jackie Doodson and Chair of Governors Gillian Richards

Reaseheath students make a wheely good impression for Tour of Britain

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Reaseheath College sports performance, adventure sports and public services students made a special effort to mark British Cycling’s Tour of Britain by getting involved in a giant piece of aerial artwork alongside the competitors’ route.

About 80 students formed the moving wheels of a 100 foot long bicycle laid out on a field opposite the college’s main entrance on the Worleston Road, just outside Nantwich. The event was timed to coincide as the elite athletes, who included Sir Bradley Wiggins, passed the college during Stage Three of the prestigious road cycling event.

Liam Salt, a Reaseheath Sports Performance course manager and keen cyclist himself, organised the aerial artwork after seeing similar events marking premier international competitions abroad.

He said: “This was the students’ first day at college and it was a great opportunity for them to take part in a team building activity with a difference. Reaseheath’s Farm manager Mark Roue kindly gave us permission to use the field and also allowed us to use plastic haylage wrap to make the bike frame.

“Awareness of all types of sport is growing thanks to the Rio Olympics and it was a great way for the students to be part of a premier event. The aerial artwork looked amazing and was an exciting activity to mark the race as it passed through Cheshire.”

Watch our video to see the aerial artwork in action!

Image header caption: Students from Reaseheath sports department form a giant cycle as riders in the Tour of Britain pass the college’s entrance

Industry support for Reaseheaths’s new Engineering Academy

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Leading agricultural engineering companies are supporting Reaseheath College’s efforts to raise the bar for training within the industry.

Construction of a £7million Advanced Agricultural Engineering Academy will begin shortly at the Nantwich, Cheshire, college which, when completed, will be one of the most sophisticated education centres of its type in Britain. Partners in the initiative include CLAAS, CaseIH, New Holland, JCB, Amazone and Kuhn, many of which have donated advanced engineering machinery and equipment.

The new specialist facility will enable Reaseheath lecturers to deliver training in the latest crop production systems, including technical training in precision farming, to agricultural engineering students and science subjects such as agronomy and data mapping to agricultural students.

Features will include workshops and a technology suite equipped for the teaching of computer controlled automation and high end precision engineering. Equipment will include robotics, tractor simulation, GPS and other advanced agricultural engineering systems. New designated driving areas will be provided for practical training.

Undergraduates on the college’s current agricultural engineering degrees and Level 3 Diploma programmes will be the first to benefit. Once the centre is fully operational, which will be during the 2016 -2017 academic year, Reaseheath will look to expand its agricultural engineering courses to include Level 4 and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for those already working in the industry.

Additionally, the college plans to cater for Advanced Apprenticeships in agricultural and construction plant engineering through the teaching of advanced farming techniques and management. There are also hopes that the centre may ultimately become the GPS training school for the UK.

Said Head of Agricultural Engineering Peter Creagh: “The new centre will combine all aspects of agricultural innovation, mechanisation and advanced engineering under one roof. It will allow us to teach and develop efficient modern farming techniques including precision land management and precision farming. This will enable us to meet increased demand for specialist training from our industry partners, and to equip our students with the skills they will need for their future careers.”

 

Reaseheath’s record RAG raises funds for British Heart Foundation

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Big hearted students and staff from Reaseheath College have raised a record breaking £33,000 this year for local charities.

Representatives from the British Heart Foundation, the Student Association’s chosen charity of the year, received a cheque for £26,361 at the student summer ball which was held on the college’s Nantwich campus. The final total was £5,000 more than the original target.

Students and staff have also raised an additional £7,000 for other charities including the Poppy Appeal, the Epilepsy Society, World Aids and Sport Relief.

Student Association (SA) members voted to fund raise for the British Heart Foundation because many had relatives who had been affected by heart problems. They are also aware that heart problems can affect apparently young, fit people.

SA members organised over 100 fund raising events including a fashion show, foam party and activities at Reaseheath’s Family Festival and lambing weekends. Their mascot, Daisy the cow, also met the public at the region’s agricultural shows

RAG chair Tom Allen joined by mascot Daisy and Katie Gibson

RAG Chair Tom Allen and SA Vice President Katie Gibson joined by RAG mascot Daisy the cow

RAG (Raising and Giving) week activities included a themed RAG ball, a tractor pull, a cake sale, sponsored walks and a 24 hour static cycle ride. Individual staff completed fund raising challenges and  construction staff and students completed a Snowdon climb carrying 19 kilo hod of bricks.

In addition, over 350 students have been trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with kits donated by the BHF as part of its ‘Nation of Lifesavers’ campaign.

Student Association RAG Chair Tom Allen, a BSc Wildlife Conservation and Ecology undergraduate, said: “I’m very proud of the SA team, who worked really hard to put together a programme of activities which everyone could enjoy. We also had unbelievable support from all staff and students and from the British Heart Foundation itself.”

Michelle Bailey, Area Fundraising Manager for the North West said: “The British Heart Foundation is hugely grateful to the students and staff of Reaseheath College for raising such a phenomenal amount of money.  I have never met a more inspirational group of young people. They have put so much focus and passion into their fundraising. This will make a huge difference to people across the north west who are supported by our charity.”

British Heart Foundation is one of Britain’s largest charities and funds research into improving treatment, diagnosis and prevention of heart and circulatory disease. The charity is funding over 1,000 research projects including a £20 million spend on a number of projects based at the University of Manchester.

Over the past 28 years, Reaseheath students and staff have raised over £248,000 for local charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, St. Lukes Hospice and Broughton House Military Charity.

Header image caption: Student Association Joint Vice President Katie Gibson, RAG Vice Chair Dan Lee, Student Association Joint Vice President Josh Bufton, RAG Chair Tom Allen and SA President Rob Sparkes hand over the cheque to British Heart Foundation  to Fundraising Manager for Merseyside and West Cheshire Hayley Gough and volunteer Bob Dykes