UCW Animal Conservation, Behaviour and Welfare students are gaining valuable insight into real-world conservation through their studies of Steep Holm, a unique island & nature reserve located in the Bristol Channel.
Managed by the Kenneth Allsop Memorial Trust, Steep Holm is home to a wide range of wildlife and rich history. The trust works closely with organisations such as Natural England, Severnside Bird Ringers, and the Palmerston Fort Society to protect both the island’s natural habitats and its historical sites. Together, they monitor bird populations, conserve rare species, and preserve the island’s military buildings and artefacts. The Kenneth Allsop Memorial Trust recently held its Annual General Meeting at our Animal Management Centre at Puxton Park as a result of the ties between UCW and the trust.
The island is best known for its thriving gull population, with over 1,600 nests recorded this year. Steep Holm has become one of the last major breeding grounds for lesser black-backed and herring gulls, whose numbers have declined by 70% over recent decades. Other species found on the island include muntjac deer, originally introduced during military occupation. The island is also home to a rare peony plant found only on Steep Holm and neighbouring Flat Holm, believed to have been introduced by monks centuries ago.
UCW’s Animal Conservation, Behaviour and Welfare degree incorporates Steep Holm into the third-year module Conservation and Wildlife Management, where students explore how conservation trusts set priorities and balance financial sustainability with wildlife protection.
While opportunities to visit the island are limited due to tides and weather conditions, UCW is exploring ways for students to get more hands-on experience supporting the trust’s ongoing conservation efforts.
Through these real-world connections, UCW Animal Management students are not only studying conservation in theory but also understanding the complexities of preserving local ecosystems in practice.
This industry connection forms part of the Animal, Environment and Biological Studies Careers Excellence Hub. University Centre Weston’s Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners’ careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.
To find out more about Animal Conservation, Behaviour and Welfare, click here!
