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.
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 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 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 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
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.”
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 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
Reaseheath’s proactive horticulture department is the latest further education provider to join Marshalls Educational Partnership.
Marshalls, the UK’s leading hard landscaping manufacturer, has launched its educational initiative to answer increasing demand for trained professionals within the industry, and to join land-based colleges in promoting garden landscaping as an attractive career choice.
Marshalls will help us to deliver landscaping courses to an even higher standard by providing materials, delivering skills workshops and by linking our students with Marshalls Register members so they can gain top class work experience in the industry.
Reaseheath is the latest college to sign up to the scheme and joins Askham Bryan College, York, and Capel Manor College, London.
Dave Jessop, Operations Manager of the Marshalls Register explained: “Promoting landscaping as an attractive career choice by working in partnership with colleges felt like a natural progression. There is a lack of skilled professionals in the landscaping sector, while demand for their services is higher than ever before.
“We want to encourage students to pursue a career in this wonderful industry, and to instil best practice from the outset. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Reasehath and look forward to working together to provide landscaping students with the best possible start to their careers.”
Glyn Ferriday, Reaseheath’s Head of Marketing and Communications, said: “This educational partnership with Marshalls will give our landscaping students a wonderful opportunity to broaden their knowledge and skills and to learn from industry professionals.
“The support which our students will receive through the Marshalls Register will be invaluable, as it gives them the chance to link with practising tradespeople and to gain relevant work experience. We are looking forward to working with Marshalls and are excited about the opportunities we will have to enhance the future prospects of our students.”
See Mark Seddon and Head of Horticulture Sarah Hopkinson discuss the new partnership at the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park 2016.
Reaseheath horticulture student Aaron Byrne will join other talented future garden landscapers in the WorldSkills UK finals after qualifying at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park 2016.
Successful WorldSkills UK competitor Aaron Byrne
Aaron, 17, who is studying for his Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horticulture, demonstrated his technical skills in block paving, decking construction and plant placement at Tatton alongside six other young landscapers.
The demanding three day competition, run by the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) aims to identify and nurture potential GB team members for WorldSkills, an Olympic-style global final which showcases the world’s top young talent in vocational industries.
This year the quality of work and attention to detail was so high that all competitors have qualified for the final, to be held at The Skills Show, Birmingham, in November.
Jody Lidgard, APL lead judge and trainer, said: “We have a lot of young talent moving up through the ranks and producing work to a good, professional standard. This is very pleasing as we are putting all our efforts into standardising and improving the skills coming into the industry.”
Aaron, a former Weaverham High School pupil, said: “This was a real challenge over three days against very strong competition but it was a great opportunity for me to show off the technical skills and knowledge I’ve gained during my studies at Reaseheath. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to doing more training in preparation for the finals.”
Hopefully Aaron will follow in the footsteps of former Reaseheath Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horticulture student Matt Beesley from Winsford, who was a member of the GB WorldSkills squad in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 2015 and successfully brought home a silver medal – Britain’s first ever medal in garden landscaping.