During the summer of 2015, 12 very lucky students got the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to embark on a
biodiversity and conservation trip to Mexico.
After months of planning and preparation, the day of
departure finally dawned upon us and we were all excited about the adventures that lay ahead. I was
slightly daunted by the prospect of being away from home for two whole weeks, however everyone
managed to quickly hit it off and it was clear that we were going to have a lot of fun together, which was
reassuring to know.
During the first week of our trip, we resided in Calakmul, where we stayed at a jungle camp, named
‘kilometre 20’. Luckily for us, this was a slightly more ‘luxurious’ camp compared to others we heard
about, which meant we had the privilege of flushing toilets and even a shower! These basic conveniences
that we are so used to became sacred luxuries and I, for one, certainly savoured every second of my
showers.
After acclimatising to the more basic lifestyle in Calakmul, we were catapulted into the daily routine of
activities that were on offer. Led by the scientists, each an expert in their own specific field, we helped out
in at least three surveys per day. Those that involved animals included bats, birds and herpetofauna. With
the animals that we found, we recorded data by measuring their features, identifying their gender and
weighing them. Everyone’s favourite part seemed to be tagging the bats, as it involved painting their toe
nails; not something many people can say they have done before!
Elsewhere, we also participated in
habitat surveys, mammal trails, camp survival and daily lectures, which were equally enjoyable.
After our week in the jungle, we set off for the coastal town of Akumal, bidding farewell to our tents we
had come to love, as well as the insects and copious amounts of rice, beans and fresh mangoes. However,
people did not remain disheartened for long, as we were soon standing on the idyllic beach that would be
the setting for the next week’s scuba diving and surveys. Everyone’s feelings of contentment may have
been somewhat derived from the fact that we also had access to Wi-Fi as well!
In the duration of this final week, some of us started doing scuba diving surveys, whilst others completed
their PADI course before joining everyone else. The coral and sea life was extremely interesting and it felt
bizarre to be swimming alongside real fish! Some of us were even lucky enough to see a dolphin, a nurse
shark and a few turtles, which was incredible.
Furthermore, we learnt about the impact of tourism on Akumals’ ecology, including how the products we
used on ourselves wash down the drain and subsequently end up in the ocean, affecting the coral. This
heightened awareness for the environment extended to when we took part in a beach clean-up as well.
As the trip drew to a close, everyone felt sad to be leaving such a vibrant and lively community as Akumal.
We took advantage of the local market and shops which sold a vast range of handmade goods, such as
bracelets and pottery. On our final evening, we went to the local ‘Wi-Fi Café’, as it had come to be known
as, and we shared our memories about the trip together. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that
Mexico 2015 was a truly incredible experience and one which none of us will ever forget.
On behalf of everyone on the trip, I would like to say a huge thank you to Mrs Timoney for organising such
a mammoth task and to Ms Weatherston and Miss Tarbox for accompanying us. You were a great support
and we hope that you enjoyed yourselves as much as we all did!
By Katie B, Year 12
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