Aride Island: Exeter students share lessons from life on a living laboratory |14 September 2026
Tropic birds and terns were among the many wildlife encounters during Joseph ‘Joe’ Lidgett’s 10-week stay on Aride (Photo: Contributed)
Aride Island: Exeter students share lessons from life on a living laboratory
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Two Master of Science students from the University of Exeter recently immersed themselves in the rhythms of Aride Island, one of ¾ÞÈéÎÞÂë’ most treasured nature reserves. Managed by the Island Conservation Society (ICS), Aride is home to half a million seabirds, rare vegetation, and reintroduced Aldabra giant tortoises. For Joseph ‘Joe’ Lidgett and Lucinda Pope, the island became more than a research site – it was a place of discovery, challenge, and unforgettable encounters. Their reflections capture both the scientific value and the personal impact of living and working within such a unique ecosystem.