Barnsley College Animal Care students have just returned from a once-in-a-lifetime, 12-day conservation expedition in Romania.

Twelve university-level Animal Management Foundation Degree students, along with three Level 3 Animal Management students, took part in an unforgettable experience focused on protecting some of Europe’s most iconic and endangered wildlife.

Organised in partnership with Flooglebinder, the trip gave students the opportunity to explore the Carpathian Mountains and learn how to track native species such as bison, brown bears, deer, lynx and wolves using camera traps, eDNA analysis, and bioacoustic monitoring.

What made the experience even more memorable was the chance to connect with nature by camping in the mountains and sleeping under the stars, surrounded by breathtaking views. It was a rare and inspiring opportunity to witness conservation in action and explore the delicate balance between wildlife and human impact.