Prawle Point Virtual Field Trip

Site overview

This coastal virtual field trip extends from Prawle Point to Gorah Rocks in South Devon (SW England).

It features a sequence of shore platforms, intertidal wave-cut platforms, exposed solifluction (head) deposits, and tors.

In addition, there is a notable contrast in biological communities between the relatively sheltered rocky shore of Gorah Rocks and the highly exposed Langerstone Point.

Prawle Point

Virtual field trip location

About the Prawle Point virtual field trip

This is an immersive, self-guided virtual field trip.

In other words, it is based around 360° imagery and provided without interpretation. The latter means it can be used flexibly for a wide range of educational purposes, although educators need to develop learner activities (e.g., worksheets) to suit their own requirements. There are plans to develop supporting resources, such as StoryMaps, for this site.

This resource was developed as part of the More Inclusive Fieldwork project, which explores how virtual fieldwork can be used to support (not replace) in-person field experiences.

This is a popular fieldwork site, used by schools, colleges, and universities – including those staying at the nearby Field Studies Council Centre at Slapton Ley. It is hoped that this resource can be used to help students prepare for, and follow up, a field visit.

The virtual field trip can be viewed on a wide range of devices although viewing it on a large monitor will provide a more immersive experience. Viewed in full screen mode is also recommended (for the same reason).

The virtual field trip includes background audio that will—or should—play by default. The sounds of breaking waves help create a more immersive experience, although this can be disabled using the menu below.

There are also embedded videos and photos – the latter using a zoom lens and providing much more detail than is possible through the panospheres alone. The videos are simple and broadly similar. Their purpose is to contribute to the sense of ‘being there’.

The virtual field trip comprises 34 locations. As seen on the map below, it starts on the village green of East Prawle – where the toilet block can be seen! In keeping with the More Inclusive Fieldwork theme, we felt it important to highlight important non-academic aspects of a field visit. This also accounts for stops 2—8, which follow the journey to the beach. This includes a short, steep descent across a field. Feedback from educators who use this site indicates that some students are unprepared for the descent.

There are options to travel west or east from stops 8 and 9. Locations to the east were captured first. During the day, cloud moved in, and rain stopped play at Stop 34. The most obvious consequence is the absence of stops on the tors and blockfield.

A map of all the stops is available within the virtual field trip.

Imagery acquired: May 2022

icons to indicate virtual field trip has panospheres, video, audio, and photos.

This resource was developed as part of the More Inclusive Fieldwork project, which explores how virtual fieldwork can be used to support (not replace) in-person field experiences.

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