Adventurous biologists have been on an expedition of their lives to experience the extremes of Egypt’s climate and wildlife.

Students and teachers went on the field trip to the baking Sinai desert and the relaxing Red Sea. In the Sinai students carried out biodiversity surveys of plants and animals including bats, birds, reptiles and insects and at night they slept under the stars in Bedouin camps experiencing the traditional ways of the desert.

The adventurers also climbed Mt Sinai, where in the Old Testament Moses was given the 10 commandments, watched the sun rise over the mountains and got to see the Biblical burning bush.

After their desert investigations students went to Dahab where they learnt to scuba dive and snorkel on the Red Sea’s coral reef swimming with an amazing array of sea life including turtles, unicorn fish, moray eels, parrot fish and octopus. As concerned biologists they also learnt how tourism is damaging this fragile ecosystem.

Ms Seddon, who led the venture with Mr Foulder, said it was a trip of a lifetime.

“The environment was extreme with temperatures often reaching over 40oC and facilities in the desert were basic but all the students coped admirably and thoroughly enjoyed their adventure.”