Both group’s first full day was spent visiting the MVO to learn more about the volcano and the effect it has had on Montserrat. The students had learnt about the volcano in their geography lessons but seeing it for themselves, and hearing the experiences of those that were affected by the eruption, really brought it all home.
Both school’s expeditions were focused on learning about the terrestrial and marine life of Montserrat. For the marine portion of their trip, after receiving their PADI Open Water dive training, everyone got to explore the reefs of Lime Kiln Bay, a real highlight of the trip for many of the students. The second group were lucky enough to join CCC on one of their marine surveys; a fantastic experience, introducing the students to the daily efforts of the organisation.
For the land based activities, the CCC staff hiked the students up Garibaldi Hill, to check out the awe-inspiring view of Plymouth and enjoy the other fantastic sights on route. Through lectures and guided walks the students were taught about the various types of forest found on Montserrat and introduced to the vast array of birds they were likely to see. There was much excitement and anticipation for a sighing of the Montserrat Oriole, however, unfortunately, it exhibited its true elusive nature with students being fortunate to hear their songs whilst hiking through the appropriately named, Oriole Walkway. In addition to birds, the students also learnt about the various reptiles and amphibians that inhabit the island in preparation for a planned nocturnal herptile survey. The groups were delighted to see snakes and catch lots of Southern Leeward Dwarf Geckos which the students measured as part of our ongoing survey work. There was also much fascination and fear at encountering lots of Tarantulas along the trails! After completing the night survey, the students were relived to head back to their forest camp at the base of Oriole Walkway. The camp, comprised of hammocks, mosquito nets and bashas, had been set up earlier in the day before embarking on the Oriole Walkway. A night in the forest can be very relaxing and waking up with the sun is surely one of the most tranquil things you can experience on the island. Despite some early reservations, everyone agreed it was definitely a highlight of both trips and great fun!
During their stays both school groups were lucky enough to be on island for one of CCC’s famous fortnightly library sessions in Brades. In each case a couple of the students were chosen to take part and assist CCC staff in delivering the sessions. The first, on the topic of deadly plants, saw the students helping to make giant Venus flytraps out of card while the second considered snake species from around the world. Both sessions were a roaring success and the children at the library loved meeting some new faces.
The students had a great time on Montserrat and CCC foresee many of them returning to visit in the future. They left brimming with stories to share with their families and friends, thereby allowing more people in the world to learn about the beautiful Emerald Isle of the Caribbean.
CCC would like to thank the Department of the Environment and Montserrat Enterprises for giving us permission to camp on their land at the base of the Oriole Walkway.
