Students Examine Soil and its Co-Evolution with Civilization in Scotland

In May of 2011, nine students and two faculty traveled to the Midlands and Highlands of Scotland as part of an embedded course to examine how Scottish history has changed soil, and thus its civilization. This 3 cr. on-campus and study abroad course (SOILS 497A) was based out of Stirling.

The program began with an introduction to the region by trip and course leader Patrick Drohan, and Co-trip leader Katherine Butler, both of the Dept. of Crop and Soil Sciences. During the field course students were reminded of how people shaped Scotland's landscape as civilization developed, and in turn how the soil and climate shaped what could be done with the land. A major focus of the course was how the study of soil and archeology together can be used to discern past cultural practices (geoarchaeology).

Central to the success of the course was the collaboration of faculty from Stirling University's Geoarchaeology and Environmental History Research Cluster. Drs. Clare Wilson and Donald Davidson led students on a walk and exploration across part of the Highlands at Menstrie Glen converted to sheep farming during the Highland Clearances. Students were able to examine soil profiles, interpret historic landscape patterns in walls and ruins, and conduct field chemical tests to detect human habitation. Later that day, students were able to explore Stirling's amazing thin section slide collection using petrographic microscopes and a scanning electron microscope.

Many Scottish government agencies also graciously hosted student visits. Students received a lecture on the role of Historic Scotland in protection Scotland's historic legacy, along with a fabulous tour of Stirling Castle from Mr. Noel Fojut of Historic Scotland. In addition, students toured Holyrood Park in Edinburgh with Adrian Cox of Historic Scotland, and later visited the historic city of Edinburgh.

Students visited different areas of the Loch Lomond and Trossach's National Park (LLTNP) to study forestry, agriculture, wildlife and people management practices. One highlight of this tour was a visit with Linda Winskill of LLTNP to a large wetland rehabilitation project focused on nesting birds and nearby hill forts. Later in the week the students met met with LLTNP staff Kenny Auld, Gareth Kett, and Tim Messer for a discussion of park policy and landscape development around Callander. This day's activities were highlighted by a scenic walk above Callander, and a visit to the fort that the fabled Roman 9th legion left from. Students discussed the role of the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) with Mr. Mark Aiken of SEPA, and compared it to the US Environmental Protection Agency.

The importance of agricultural through Scotland's history was highlighted with visits to a living history museum with a replica Crannog and demonstrations of daily life activities (fire building, wood working, etc.) students could practice. The Crannog pictured left is truly an amazing structure. Built out over the water of one of Scotland's Lochs, the structure provided security, easy disposal of waste, access to food, and a very pleasant ambient sound with the lapping waves against the shore.

In contrast, students visited with Dr. Tony Waterhouse at the Scottish Agricultural College in the Highlands at Kirkton to discuss modern sheep rearing. Much of the research now conducted at the research farm is focused on sheep rearing, and landscape management practices to benefit sheep and protect the land. This visit contrasted nicely with the visit earlier in the week to the Highland Clearance property in Menstrie Glen (also a product of sheep management policy over a hundred years prior).