In June 2025 15 pupils from Waid Academy and 2 teachers were lucky enough to spend two weeks in Mexico with the Operation Wallacea. The team of volunteers were made up of pupils ranging in age from 16 to 17 and came from a diverse mix of backgrounds, including pupils with special educational needs and from economically deprived areas.

During the first week we station at Calakmul camp where we undertook field work. This included herpetology and habitat surveys, setting up mist nets to capture and monitor bat and bird populations, studying footage of herbivorous mammals from camera traps, and capturing and recording butterfly species. In the marine site 11 out of our 15 gained their PADI diving qualification, 4 other went snorkelling where they were able to monitor coral reef health (we witnessed quite extensive coral bleaching unfortunately), and monitor fish biodiversity. The green turtles were in abundance and very relaxed in our company. We also spotted octopus and sting rays. On the last day we explored the local mangrove ecosystem.

The grant from the Murray Trust enabled our pupils to buy kit such as rucksacks, boots, headtorches and sleeping bags, all of which were essential for our stay and comfort. The cost of these were in addition to the £3,300 they had to raise for Opwall so this additional fund was very gratefully received.

Our pupils have just held an assembly to recruit the next cohort of pupils to our Opwall trip in 2027 to South Africa. In was wonderful to hear the pupils describe to the younger years how worthwhile their experience had been. One girl said’ Don’t let fear hold you back’ when she described how frightened she was when asked to remove her demand valve from her mouth in dive training. Another described how being out in the rainforest was an experience he would never forget, and he couldn’t believe how many different types of bats there were. All the pupils gained confidence and resilience from the trip. They said that if they can stand using a bucket and cup shower and drop toilet in the wet mosquito ridden forests for a week, they can stand anything! Some are thinking of working in conservation, as they were very impressed by the enthusiasm and knowledge of the researchers in the field, other feel that the experience helped them find depths of courage and character they never knew were there.

The Murray Grant is given to the school groups who can demonstrate the most creative and impressive fundraising efforts. Sandwich Technology School was even more impressive as all of the effort came from just 1 student who went to Honduras with her teacher!

Before my biology expedition to Honduras, I had never been on a plane. We flew from Heathrow at 9am to Newark which was a long 7-hour flight, but I absolutely loved the experience of flying and it made the trip so exciting. We then had a very long gap before our 4-hour flight to San Pedro Sula. I was lucky enough to have a window seat for this flight so could already begin to see the beautiful scenery as we landed. Our travel had gone smoothly until now, but we did then get stuck at customs for another 3 hours! The Opwall team were amazing though and drove out to get us at what was around 2am in Honduran time. Stepping out of the airport was so surreal as even at this time it was the hottest climate I had ever felt! We finally got to our hotel after being up for over 30 hours and were very ready for our beds.
The next morning, we met the school from Texas before starting to make our way to base camp by both minibus and in the back of pick-up trucks up the mountain. We spent the first half of week 1 at base camp in tents and the scenery was amazing. We completed a combination of lectures, fieldwork and games as well as a walk down the mountain to a local’s house to learn how to make Honduran coffee. Our surveys included: habitat sampling, birds, bats, light traps and bugs. However, my favourite was the evening herps survey during which we walked up the river looking for frogs, lizards and snakes. We saw so many frogs and lizards and got to help mark them with the special fluorescent dye, take DNA samples and record this information before releasing them where we found them. I also took part in the canopy access experience, during which I climbed high into the tree canopy. This was very difficult, but the view was so rewarding. Halfway through week 1 we did a 6-hour hike to a higher satellite camp with all our supplies in backpacks. This was so much fun, and the satellite camp was my favourite location as it was so remote and I got to sleep in a hammock. Here we did many more of the same surveys to compare the results to those from base camp to see the effect of altitude. The food was amazing at both camps and I was so impressed at how the Honduran cooks prepared it in the middle of the rainforest.
We then made our way back to base camp for one night before starting our journey to Utila for week 2. We went back down the mountain in the pickup trucks and then got a minibus and a coach to the ferry port. The ferry crossing was only about an hour which we appreciated after our long journey. The climate difference after being up high all of week 1 was a shock as it was so much hotter and more humid. At the dive centre I stayed in shared dorms with the other school and the food was provided by the onsite restaurant. Throughout week 2 we usually had two snorkelling sessions a day, but this was weather dependent. The days started early with breakfast at 6 to allow us to get everything done. My favourite surveys included seeing eagle rays and tallying different fish species which we learnt about through lectures and quizzes. This was my first time snorkelling and I absolutely loved it; we went out to so many different locations on the boat and even learnt to duck dive.
The trip exceeded my expectations and as much as I was excited to see friends and family I didn’t want to leave. I would recommend doing an Opwall trip to anyone who gets the chance and I would love to travel more in the future. Everyone was so friendly throughout the whole trip and made me feel so welcome despite being the only student from my school. The jet lag, fundraising, early mornings and time away from home were 100% worth it.

I left the UK in June 2025 unable to scuba dive and with little knowledge of marine eco-systems. During four profound weeks as a research assistant with Operation Wallacea, I helped conduct benthic and fish surveys & assisted in the capture and dissection of over 50 invasive lionfish. I also gained a deep appreciation for the complexity and fragility of coral reef ecosystems & a passion for this area of study and research.
In Honduras, the marine site is in the Bay of Tela – home to a uniquely resilient coral reef that, despite heavy freshwater runoff and pollution, remained one of the healthiest in the Caribbean until the bleaching event of 2023. Opwall has monitored this reef since 2014, collecting benthic and fish survey data at multiple sites annually, along with lionfish samples to better understand their impact. Lionfish, an invasive species with no natural predators in the region, pose a significant threat to reef biodiversity. This season’s project focused on how their diet may have shifted following the 2023 bleaching event.
During my first two weeks, I completed both my PADI Open Water diving certification and a Caribbean reef ecology qualification. This involved daily lectures on coral ID, reef threats, and conservation practices, paired with hands-on training in key research techniques – from laying transects and quadrats to using underwater video rigs for benthic and fish surveys.
In the final two weeks, I applied these skills across two research teams. With the reef surveillance team, I helped to lay 50m transects and filmed benthic surveys using GoPros along these transects. I also assisted with fish surveys using stereo video surveillance (SVS) and assisted in daily data analysis. Benthic data involved coral, algae, and invertebrate ID, while fish survey footage was used to calculate biomass of identified fish, offering a more accurate ecological picture than traditional ID methods. SVS techniques for fish surveying are being pioneered by Opwall in their Honduran sites (Tela and Utila). With the lionfish team, I took part in daily dives to locate and capture lionfish. Post-dive, we recorded measurements, dissected the fish for sex and maturity, and analysed stomach contents – typically filled with small fish and crustaceans.
Throughout the month, I gained not only technical skills in scientific diving and data collection, but also a deeper understanding of how conservation science must integrate both ecological knowledge and local context. Tela’s reef is considered an ecological anomaly – it thrives despite conditions that should prevent healthy coral growth. Until the 2023 bleaching event, it was one of the healthiest reefs in the Caribbean, with high coral cover and low levels of algae. Scientists still don’t fully understand why it was able to flourish, which makes ongoing monitoring crucial. At the same time, local interest in marine life is limited, largely due to a lack of education and economic reliance on industries like fishing. This makes the work of Opwall and Tela Marine (Opwall’s local contact) especially important – not just for research, but for engaging local communities
through outreach, education, and ecotourism. Sustainable conservation here depends on both scientific data and community involvement.
Now continuing my studies at the University of Edinburgh, I’m excited to carry this experience into my academic work – particularly in sustainability and environmental chemistry. This placement confirmed my passion for marine science and I’m incredibly grateful the Murray award for making this opportunity possible. I grew so much – as a researcher and as a person – and I would love to return to similar work in the future.

At the end of July, I travelled to Honduras to embark on a two-week terrestrial and marine expedition with Operation Wallacea. From trekking through the cloud forests of Cusuco National Park to conducting marine surveys around the island of Utila, the expedition gave me the opportunity to take part in hands-on ecological research across two completely different environments. More significantly, it has had a lasting impact on my interests, career aspirations and plans for the future.

Our expedition began at the Cusuco National Park Base Camp, from where we immediately set off on a long and challenging uphill trek to the Jungle Training Camp. I absolutely loved clambering through the forest and being surrounded by such incredible biodiversity. At the training camp, we spent several days learning key animal-tracking and fieldwork skills and becoming accustomed to the extraordinary range of wildlife around us – including some very large insects!

We then returned to Base Camp, where we began working alongside researchers on a variety of biodiversity surveys. These included surveys of bats, birds and frogs, giving us an insight into the different methods scientists use to monitor tropical ecosystems. Outside of the surveys, there was always wildlife to discover around camp. One evening, while playing cards, we were joined by a curious snake that decided to sit beside us – a very memorable reminder that we were living right in the middle of the rainforest.

After a week in Cusuco, we travelled to Utila, a beautiful island off the coast of Honduras. Having previously completed my scuba diving qualification, I was particularly excited for the marine component of the expedition. During this week, I was able to combine my interest in diving with ecological research, joining scientists on a range of marine projects. These included sea urchin counts, filming coral reefs and completing benthic surveys. Being able to contribute directly to ongoing research while diving in these ecosystems was an incredibly exciting experience.

The marine week had a particularly significant impact on me. Before the expedition, I was interested in marine biology, but experiencing marine research first-hand confirmed how much I wanted to pursue this area further. Taking part in fieldwork reinforced my enjoyment of working outdoors and collecting data in natural environments, and has subsequently influenced the direction I am considering for my future career. I am now actively exploring PhD opportunities in marine biology and animal movement and navigation as a result of this experience. I have also applied for further dive training and aim to work towards my Divemaster qualification, which would allow me to develop the practical skills needed to support a future career in marine research and conservation.

One of the biggest highlights of the expedition came on our final day in Utila. During one of our last dives, we had an unexpected encounter with a pod of dolphins. As we surfaced, they were swimming and jumping around us, turning what was already an incredible expedition into an unforgettable experience. Seeing these animals in their natural environment was something I will never forget and further consolidated my passion for working in marine environments.

The Murray Grant was used to support the cost of my flights to and from Honduras and was therefore critical in making the expedition financially feasible. Without this support, taking part in the expedition would have been considerably more difficult. The funding enabled me to access an experience that provided both practical research experience and a much clearer sense of the direction I would like my future career to take.

I am extremely grateful for the support of the Murray Grant. The expedition developed my confidence in fieldwork, strengthened my practical ecological skills and helped me realise how strongly I want to pursue a career involving marine biology, field research and conservation. I returned from Honduras not only with incredible memories, but with a much clearer idea of the kind of scientist I hope to become.

My expedition to Akumal gave me the opportunity to combine my passion for marine life with hands-on conservation research. Spending two weeks working on coral reefs, seagrass habitats and turtle research gave me a much better understanding of what marine conservation looks like in the field. I had never done anything like this before so it was a completely new experience for me.

During the first week we developed our identification skills. We started with lectures where we learnt about the different species and the methods we would be using. We then put this into practice while snorkelling on the reef. We used identification cards to help us identify fish and coral. We used quadrats and swam along transect lines as part of the reef surveys.

If we were unsure about an identification we could work together and discuss what we thought we had seen. This helped me develop species identification, scientific data collection and teamwork skills.

The second week focused mainly on turtle research. We swam along transect lines and recorded the coordinates of the areas we were surveying. We recorded the number of turtles and tourists we saw. This information was then linked with the seagrass surveys to help understand the areas being used. We collected data on seagrass density, length and species.

One of my favourite parts of the expedition was seeing the turtles. Seeing juvenile turtles feeding and coming up for air was amazing. I also really enjoyed being able to snorkel every day. I love swimming so being able to spend so much time in the water was a highlight. It was also quite fitting to finally see coral, as my name is Coral.

Outside of the research there was lots of wildlife around the camp that I had never seen before including geckos, tarantulas and scorpions. Living with so many people was also something I had not experienced before. It took some getting used to, it helped me become more confident and adaptable.

The Murray Grant had a huge impact on my ability to take part in the expedition. Without the grants I received I would not have been able to go. Overall, the grants I received covered most of my trip including the expedition and flights. This meant I did not have to spend as much time fundraising and could focus on my university work while preparing for the expedition.

I also contacted companies whose values aligned with mine and was fortunate to receive products that were useful during the expedition. I tried to choose products that I would genuinely use and focused on sustainable brands where possible. For example, I was gifted a solid conditioner bar and a reusable water bottle. I also created social media and blog content as part of these collaborations. This gave me experience in professional communication and working with brands.

The expedition has made me much more interested in fieldwork. I really enjoyed being able to work in the water and be part of the environment while also contributing to research. I would definitely like to do something similar again in the future.

I am incredibly grateful to Opwall, the Murray Grant and everyone who supported my expedition. The experience gave me surveying skills, increased my confidence in fieldwork and strengthened my interest in pursuing a future in conservation.

I am a third-year BSc geography student at Royal Holloway university of London. Over the past year, my academic studies have deepened my interest in fieldwork and conservation. This inspired me to take part in a research expedition with Operation Wallacea, where I had the opportunity to apply my knowledge in a meaningful environment. During the summer, I spent 4 weeks in Croatia, Krka National Park as a research assistant. This was my first-time conducting fieldwork abroad which was both challenging and extremely rewarding. The site was incredible, full of rich biodiversity and amazing views which surpassed my expectations.

I thoroughly enjoyed participating in every survey, but I was particular fascinated by bird mist netting, bat harp trapping, mammal and habitat surveys. During my final two weeks, I chose to specialise in habitat surveys, although having enjoyed data collection with other taxon teams, I continued to join a few other surveys to broaden my understanding on the site’s biodiversity. A highlight of my experience was leading a habitat survey to a group of school students, which allowed me to share what I had learnt in the field and develop my confidence in communicating scientific information. I was also keen to assist with data entry, so in my final two weeks I worked on data entry across multiple research teams including watching camera trap footage with the mammal team.

The month I spent in Croatia provided me with an invaluable set of both practical and personal skills. Through fieldwork surveys, I strengthened my abilities in ecological data collection and monitoring, species identification and working efficiently in different settings. Collaborating with research assistants and staff enhanced my teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills as we often had to adapt to field conditions. Working in this collaborative environment enabled me to grow in confidence, particularly when contributing ideas within a group. This experience has deepened my enthusiasm for conservation research and has equipped me with a strong foundation for a future in this field of work.

I made countless amazing memories during my time in Croatia. A highlight from a bird mist netting survey was when it started raining on our way back, we had been longing for some rain,. Habitat surveys were always great fun, bush whacking, crawling and climbing over plants and trees. Beyond the surveys, socialising with research assistants and staff during mealtimes and throughout the day was memorable, playing card games and chatting, it created a strong sense of community. Days away from surveys were also very enjoyable, I got to explore areas of Croatia outside of Krka Park, including several waterfalls and Sibenik town. Croatia was an unforgettable experience, and I am incredibly grateful to have been awarded the Guy Poland Grant, which made this opportunity possible.

1. Academic Context and Expedition Objectives

As an undergraduate reading Zoology (BSc Hons) at Bangor University, my academic focus centres on behavioural ecology, wildlife monitoring, and evidence-based conservation. Having achieved First-Class performance in my first two years of study (including 94% in Ecology & Evolution and 87.5% in Ecology: Interactions in the Natural World), undertaking independent dissertation fieldwork represented a crucial step in my development as a researcher.

To support this fieldwork, I was awarded the £1,500 Guy Poland Grant alongside a £1,000 University Bursary and a £250 Santander Career Support Award. My objective was to spend six weeks in the Mahamavo dry deciduous forest of north-western Madagascar with Operation Wallacea gathering the primary empirical dataset for my undergraduate dissertation.

2. Study Site: The Mahamavo Forest

Fieldwork was conducted in the Mariarano region of north-western Madagascar (15°29′34″ S, 46°41′45″ E). Madagascar’s dry deciduous forests harbour high levels of micro-endemism yet face severe fragmentation due to slash-and-burn agriculture (tavy), cattle grazing (zebu), and charcoal production. We were based in the Mariarano camp, situated adjacent to Mariarano village. Even in camp alone, we were surrounded by a varied array of endemic chameleons, geckos, lemurs and invertebrates – imagine not even having to leave your tent to see such unique species!

3. Dissertation Research: Spatial and Behavioural Plasticity in Coquerel’s Sifaka

My dissertation investigated the behavioural and spatial plasticity of Coquerel’s sifaka (Propithecus coquereli), a critically endangered strepsirrhine primate listed on the IUCN Red List. While edge avoidance is documented in large, protected areas like Ankarafantsika National Park (where we stopped on our return journey, spotting a Madagascar kingfisher, Corythornis vintsioides and a pair of critically endangered Madagascar fish eagles, Haliaeetus vociferoides, in flight within a minutes), populations in Mariarano inhabit a gradient of anthropogenic disturbance, frequently utilising degraded fragments and introduced flora including mango (Mangifera indica) and kapok (Ceiba pentandra) trees.

To evaluate whether this utilisation reflects adaptive flexibility or an ecological trap under the ‘landscape of fear’ framework, I conducted standardized behavioural observations across three habituated social groups representing low (intact forest, n=5), intermediate (fragmented forest, n=5), and high (village matrix, n=4) anthropogenic disturbance.

Data collection ran daily from 06:00 to 12:00 or 12:00 to 18:00. Activity budgets were quantified using 15-minute point sampling, while vigilance (social, environmental, and anthropogenic) was recorded continuously. Concurrently, GPS coordinates were collected at 15-minute intervals for spatial analysis in QGIS 3.44, using Kernel Density Estimation (95% home range / 50% core area) to measure spatial overlap with anthropogenic features. Statistical analyses are to be conducted in RStudio (R 4.3) using Generalized Linear Models (GLMs).

4. Avian Biodiversity Monitoring & Mist-Netting Fieldwork

Alongside my primatological research, I participated in Operation Wallacea’s long-term avian monitoring programme. My most memorable fieldwork experience was participating in mist-netting and bird ringing alongside Malagasy ornithologist Solohery. As an lifelong enthusiastic birdwatcher, contributing to standardised ringing protocols provided a rigorous field methodology context.

This project forms part of a capture-mark-recapture study spanning over a decade and more than 2,000 individual birds. Biometric measurements, including body mass, wing length, tail length, and tarsus dimensions, were recorded for each captured individual prior to ringing and release. Blood samples had also been collected during previous studies to examine the genetic consequences of forest fragmentation.

Handling endemic species close-up offered an intimate appreciation for avian anatomy. Among the species measured were the Souimanga Sunbird (Cinnyris sovimanga), Malagasy Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone mutata), Crested Drongo (Dicrurus forficatus), Common Newtonia (Newtonia brunneicauda), Long-billed Bernieria (Bernieria madagascariensis), and Madagascar Magpie-Robin (Copsychus albospecularis). Working alongside Solohery, in contribution to his PhD, emphasised the crucial role of long-term empirical datasets in guiding regional conservation management.

5. Community Integration and Cultural Immersion in Mariarano

A central component of the Mariarano expedition was engaging directly with the local community. Upon our arrival, we had the opportunity to participate in Madagascar’s Independence Day celebrations in Mariarano village following related festivities the night before. These provided an immediate introduction to local traditions, music, and community cohesion.

Throughout the six weeks, integration into village life continued through regular visits to the local markets and active communication with community members. Learning basic Malagasy phrases proved essential for daily interactions, establishing mutual respect with local guides, camp staff, and villagers.

Recreationally, participating in and watching football matches on the Mariarano village pitch served as an effective bridge between visiting researchers and the local community. Shared sports provided an informal space for connection, reinforcing that successful conservation in human-modified landscapes depends entirely on positive, respectful relationships with local populations.

6. Skills Gained and Professional Trajectory

The six weeks in Mahamavo consolidated both technical and personal competencies critical for my career progression. Key professional outcomes include:

• Field Methodologies: Mastery of standardised primate ethograms, focal point sampling, continuous vigilance recording, and avian mist-netting/ringing protocols.
• Scientific Communication & Media: Photographic documentation of wildlife and field habitats; several of my images will be credited in forthcoming scientific publications regarding newly identified species in the area (including undescribed arachnid species photographed with Dr Brogan Pett).
• Cross-Cultural Collaboration & Resilience: Experience working in off-grid field conditions, communicating in basic Malagasy, and navigating complex human-ecological conservation matrices.

7. Conclusion and Recommendation for Future Scholars

The Guy Poland Grant provided an essential foundation for my research on Coquerel’s sifaka and allowed me to gain invaluable experience across multiple ecological disciplines. Operation Wallacea’s field model, combining rigorous scientific monitoring with genuine community participation, offers an exceptional opportunity for undergraduate researchers looking to challenge themselves and develop field autonomy.

Beyond the scientific research, one of the most meaningful aspects of the season was the incredible teamwork and camaraderie amongst my fellow researchers and volunteers. Operating in a remote, off-grid field environment naturally presented challenging moments for everyone at times, but the team remained remarkably kind, resilient, and mutually supportive throughout the entire expedition. I am immensely grateful for the lifelong friendships and connections formed in Mariarano; the experience truly would not have been the same without every single member of the group.

I express my deepest thanks once again to the Poland family, Operation Wallacea and the community of Mariarano for making this expedition possible.