The Clean Planet Peninsula Project, an ambitious multi-year initiative aimed at training the next generation of polar scientists, has successfully completed its first year of training in the rugged terrain of Dartmoor National Park.
This groundbreaking project, led by the not-for-profit Clean Planet Foundation in collaboration with renowned polar explorer Antony Jinman and the University of Portsmouth’s Revolution Plastics Institute, equips early-career researchers with the essential skills needed for fieldwork in the polar regions.
Simulating Polar Conditions in Dartmoor
The year-1 training on Dartmoor provided participants with a realistic and challenging environment that simulated conditions they will face in the Arctic and Antarctic (all be it a little warmer). The participants, a diverse group of early-career scientists selected from across the UK, endured heavy rain, low visibility, and strong winds—conditions that tested their endurance, teamwork, and expedition skills.
"Training in Dartmoor was an essential step in preparing our team for the realities of polar expeditions," said Antony Jinman, the twelfth Britain to have skied to the Geographic North Pole and ski solo to the Geographic South Pole and lead instructor for the project. " It was inspiring to see how each member contributed their strengths, ensuring that we not only survived but succeeded in these tough scenarios. It was the perfect environment to simulate the challenges we may face in the polar regions."
The project enhanced the diversity of the UK’s scientific and polar community; with 65% of the group being female, participants ranged in age from 18 to their early 40s, contributing to a broad spectrum of perspectives and experiences. Attending ten different academic institutions across the UK and representing eight ethnic backgrounds, the participants also came from the length and breadth of the UK; from Glasgow to Dover, and County Durham to Plymouth- further enriching the project with a wide array of local insights. Notably, 70% of the participants have a study focus or enhanced interest in microplastics, underscoring the project’s commitment to tackling this critical environmental issue.
Hands-On Learning and Skill Development
The week-long course was packed with both theoretical and practical sessions. Participants learned crucial skills ranging from advanced navigation techniques to search and rescue operations, which were conducted in partnership with the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team. These sessions were not just about survival but about leadership and teamwork—core elements that are vital for success in the remote and harsh environments they will soon encounter.
"Our team thrived in the challenging conditions during the Dartmoor Expedition" said Beth Langley, a participant. "The leadership training and team-building exercises were invaluable, and I now feel more prepared than ever to undertake research in the polar regions."
Laying the Groundwork for Future Research
The training also included an introduction to scientific fieldwork techniques, with a focus on microplastics research—a central theme of the Clean Planet Peninsula Project. Although this initial phase did not involve the formal collection of research data, participants practised the methods they will use in the Arctic and Antarctic to collect samples. This hands-on experience is designed to ensure that when these early-career scientists embark on their polar expeditions, they will be fully equipped to contribute valuable data to the global scientific community.
"The skills and knowledge gained during this training are crucial for the upcoming expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic," said Prof. Fay Couceiro, the scientific leader of the project from the University of Portsmouth. "We are committed to ensuring that our participants are not only prepared for the physical challenges but also equipped with the rigorous scientific methods necessary to conduct high-quality research."
Looking Ahead
As the Clean Planet Peninsula Project moves into its second year, the focus will shift to applying the skills learned in Dartmoor to the Arctic. Selected participants from Year 1 will have the opportunity to travel to the Arctic, where they will conduct groundbreaking research on microplastic pollution and its effects on polar ecosystems.
"We’re excited to build on the success of this first year," said Dr. Katerina Garyfalou, the project’s director at the Clean Planet Foundation. "The commitment and resilience shown by our participants during this training give us great confidence in their ability to contribute meaningful research in the polar regions."
Quotes from Participants:
Beth Langley, Glasgow: "Our team thrived in the challenging conditions during the Dartmoor Expedition-. It was inspiring to see how each member contributed their strengths, ensuring that we not only survived but succeeded in these tough scenarios. It was the perfect environment to simulate the challenges we may face in the polar regions."
Claire Penny, Kent: "The hands-on microplastics research we conducted in Dartmoor’s rivers was eye-opening. It’s incredible how much we learned in such a short time, thanks to the excellent guidance from our instructors.”
Gabrielle Longstaff, Bishop Auckland, County Durham: "Although I didn’t initially have polar experience, the Clean Planet Peninsula project has broadened my horizons and given me the confidence to undertake future fieldwork in challenging environments."
Girish Beedessee, Edinburgh: "The discussions around climate change and microplastics were particularly impactful. This training has prepared me to contribute meaningfully to global research efforts in these critical areas."
Isabel Waller, Brentwood: "The first two days were spent gaining a strong understanding in a range of topics necessary for remote fieldwork and polar science, including techniques for microplastic detection and their impacts, insights into our unique leadership styles, expedition funding and even a refreshingly open discussion on feminine hygiene during fieldwork."
Jasmine Rose, Plymouth: " Year one of the Clean Planet Peninsula Project has been a remarkable experience, blending intensive learning about microplastics with hands-on field learning. For someone returning to research after a long hiatus, engaging with such a passionate and talented team has been both inspiring and empowering. This experience has reignited my passion for science and significantly boosted my readiness for new research challenges with the skills and confidence I've gained."
Kate Forrester, Richmond: "This week’s training in Dartmoor was fantastic. It’s not just about surviving in harsh conditions, but thriving as a team and learning the skills that will keep us safe and effective in the polar regions."
Kenza Tazi, Cambridge: "The range of topics we covered, from scientific sampling to risk assessments, was comprehensive. This training has given me a solid foundation for conducting meaningful research in the field."
Laura Fantuzzi, Portsmouth: "Microplastics are ubiquitous environmental particles now, and we don't really know what this substance that didn't exist 200 years ago does to ecosystems, so it’s fascinating to be involved in documenting their environmental accumulation."
Oliver Wilson, Cumbria: " Perhaps most essential of all was the discussion on female hygiene in an expedition setting - led by Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones. This topic should be discussed at all levels within an expedition team, and within field science in general. A discussion I'm open to admit was very new to me, but absolutely critical to working with a diverse team to ensure a safe and supportive environment.”
Owen Allemang, Cambridge: “This was my first time camping, and the experience exceeded all my expectations. The supportive environment, especially during the My Story sessions, made it easy to connect and share despite my initial nervousness. I'm now more excited than ever to dive into future fieldwork.”
Peter Berthelemy, Bath: "The week was packed with insights and practical knowledge. I’m grateful for the opportunity and eager to apply what I’ve learned in the upcoming expeditions."
Pip Birchenall, Lincoln: "The resilience and adaptability we developed during the training are skills that will be invaluable when we face the unpredictable conditions of the polar regions."
Polina Sevastyanova, Cambridge: This experience has inspired me to think big when planning science projects, expeditions and driving change. It was invaluable to learn from those who have already navigated these challenges—not only experienced expedition leaders but also scientists actively shaping research and policy.
Rachel Georgiou, Cambridge: "The practical experience in navigation and leadership has given me the confidence to lead my own research teams in future expeditions."
Rhian Bland, Edinburgh: "The focus on microplastics research was particularly relevant to my interests. This training has equipped me with the skills I need to contribute to our understanding of plastic pollution in the polar regions."
Thalia Day, Leamington Spa: “…what a memorable experience! The training tested our mental resilience, physical strength, solution-oriented thinking, and ability to work efficiently under stress. Harnessing these leadership skills are key undertaking successful polar expeditions.”
Josh Osborne, Portsmouth: "The support from our instructors and the camaraderie among participants made even the toughest parts of the training manageable and rewarding."
About the Clean Planet Peninsula Project
The Clean Planet Peninsula Project is a three-year initiative designed to equip early-career scientists with the skills and experience needed for polar research. The project is a collaboration between the Clean Planet Foundation, polar explorer Antony Jinman, and the University of Portsmouth’s Revolution Plastics Institute. It focuses on addressing critical environmental issues such as microplastic pollution and climate change by conducting research in some of the most remote regions on Earth.