Year 13 Biology students braved the elements as they visited Derrygonnelly Field Centre for their ecology fieldtrip. The purpose of the trip was to study the influence of ecological factors on the distribution of plant and animal species in a deciduous and coniferous woodland. The students had the opportunity to use a variety of sampling methods and tools to measure both biotic and abiotic factors. During the day they had first-hand experience of various abiotic factors out in Ely Lodge from Sun, wind, sleet and snow. The outing proved to be a great success in terms of providing an opportunity to investigate the biodiversity of the local community.