Managing ecosystems

Scrub removal on Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA)

Synopsis

This lesson studies the ecosystems of Salisbury Plain; the largest area of chalk grassland in North West Europe and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Salisbury Plain is also designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) and Scheduled Area for Conservation (SAC) under the European Habitats Directive. After learning about Ecosystems, students are required to identify what stage of ecological succession Salisbury Plain has reached.

Using a range of multimedia stimuli and information, they complete a mystery exercise to find out what has stopped the scrub spreading and has arrested the establishment of climax vegetation. They discover that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) actively removes scrub for military training purposes and for the conservation of grassland plants and species. Students discuss and develop informed opinions about whether the MOD improves or damages the habitat and whether the MOD should be doing more or less to conserve their land.

MOD Topic

Scrub removal on Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA)

Curriculum Checklist

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Curriculum Links

• Science
• Citizenship

Prior Knowledge

Prior knowledge of ecosystems and plant succession will enhance students' ability to apply their learning to the case study.

Learning Outcomes

Lower ability students will:

• Know what an ecosystem is and be able to identify some of the different types.
• Have some understanding of the energy cycle and the concept of plant succession.
• Understand that human activity impacts on ecosystems.
• Be able to apply their understanding of succession to an MOD case study with assistance.
• Be able to discuss opinions about the impact of the MOD's military training on Salisbury Plain habitat.

Average ability students will:

• Know what an ecosystem is and be able to describe and identify some of the different types.
• Have a good understanding of the energy cycle and the concept of plant succession.
• Understand how human activity impacts on ecosystems.
• Be able to apply their understanding of succession to an MOD case study.
• Be able to formulate opinions and conclusions about the impact of the MOD's military training on Salisbury Plain habitat.

Higher ability students will:

• Know what an ecosystem is and be able to describe and identify the different types.
• Have excellent understanding of the energy cycle and the concept of plant succession.
• Understand and explain how human activity impacts on ecosystems.
• Be able to confidently apply their understanding of succession to an MOD case study.
• Be able to formulate justified opinions and conclusions about the impact of the MOD's military training on Salisbury Plain habitat.

Lesson code

G10