Priestley students have returned from a 15-day expedition in Romania’s breathtaking Carpathian Mountains – a once-in-a-lifetime journey that combined environmental science, conservation, and hands-on adventure.

They were among 42 students from The Challenge Academy Trust (TCAT) who took part in the trip, which was funded by the Government Turing Scheme.

STEM Director at TCAT Chris Hillidge, who led the trip, said: “This was a life-changing experience for our students. They didn’t just study conservation – they lived it.

“They really stepped out of their comfort zones and reconnected with nature, each other, and local life.”

The experience was delivered in partnership with Foundation Conservation Carpathia.

Students with a passion for science, ecology and the environment were selected to take part.

After arriving in Bucharest and travelling through the historic mountain city of Brasov, they hiked into the mountains to a remote campsite, at 1500m, overlooking Romania’s famous Fagaras range.

Over two weeks, they worked with conservation experts to track wildlife, monitor biodiversity using tools like camera traps, drones, and eDNA sampling, and study how once native species including bison and beaver have been reintroduced.

Additionally, they studied how Europe’s largest bear population lives alongside people.

The group were lucky to get unforgettable sightings of both bear and bison during their time in the field.

With limited signal and few modern comforts, they embraced mountain life, reconnecting with nature, local culture, and each other.

The experience ended with a celebratory BBQ and white-water rafting, a fitting close to an unforgettable journey.

“From tracking wildlife to collecting real data, they’ve returned with new skills, fresh perspective, and a real passion for the planet,” said Chris.

“This unique opportunity not only enriched their learning but inspired a new generation of environmentally conscious, globally minded young people.”