Click the link to view the full version: WASCZ | Forget the classroom; in Croatia, Biology came to life!
This summer, a group of Wycombe Abbey students embarked on an educational journey to Croatia, an adventure that would test their limits, expand their knowledge, and redefine their understanding of the natural world.
Tracking Life in the Wilderness
Week one: Krka National Park – a vast karst wilderness teeming with wildlife. This wasn’t a sightseeing tour. It was an intrepid, hands-on ecological survey.
Days began before sunrise. Students hiked for hours alongside expert biologists, learning to identify species, set camera traps, and track elusive mammals like wild boar and wolves. “Although the procedure is painful, the landscape and experience of searching for birds was worth it.” – J. Shao G10
But the rewards were immeasurable. Students didn’t just observe nature – they became immersed in it. They caught and released birds and bats, identified butterflies with field guides, looked for reptiles and amphibians, and surveyed plant life in the scorching heat.
Evenings were filled with lively lectures and unforgettable workshops—like learning to identify birds by their calls and testing that knowledge at sunset. The days were intense, the heat relentless, but the sense of purpose was undeniable.
“It was very special to be able to carry and release such a tiny creature as a bird, very precious.” — S. Lunusova, G12
Exploring Marine Life Beneath the Ocean
Then, week two – a shift in scenery. After a 5-hour coastal drive, we arrived at the stunning shores of Krk Island for the next chapter: marine ecology. The focus moved from the scorching karst valley to the cool, cerulean waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Now, our students were split into groups – some working towards their diving qualifications, others honing their snorkeling skills to conduct marine surveys. For many, the challenge was physical and mental, but our fabulous instructors provided constant guidance and encouragement.
The transformation was striking. Students who felt nervous and uncertain on day one became confident, capable surveyors by the end of the week.
“It’s uncomfortable to wear the wetsuit and with a heavy tank. But we get into the water and it feels good. It’s a very different feeling. I am more and more adapted to the life here. I had two dives today and I more and more like it.” — B. Wang, G10
“Under the guidance of our snorkeling coach, we saw many different kinds of fish that we learned about in the morning… It’s my first time that I could see so many species under the water. It’s a brand new world for me.” — H. Liao G10
By the end, trainee divers collected their well-earned qualifications, and students delivered well-researched presentations on topics such as marine pollution, invasive species, and the power of social media in marine conservation.
This was more than a Biology trip. It was a journey of personal growth. Our students learned to rely on themselves and their new friends. They faced challenges with a can-do attitude, pushed past their comfort zones, and made memories that will last a lifetime. And in doing so, they didn’t just learn about conservation—they lived it, contributing real data to help protect Croatia’s precious ecosystems.
Thank you to everyone at Operation Wallacea for hosting this incredible expedition. And a huge well done to all our students for their incredible spirit and fortitude – it really was a trip of discovery and transformation. We can’t wait for next year’s adventure!
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