Virtual Ecotron
Virtual tour of the Ecotron...
The Ecotron attracts considerable interest from visitors to Silwood Park and tours during open days are always popular. When an experiment is being conducted in the Ecotron it is not possible for visitors to enter the chambers and small portholes limit the views of the interiors of the chambers. This is a limiting factor when trying to explain the function and purpose of the Ecotron.
In addition to the demand for tours, talks and lectures are also conducted explaining the research that is undertaken in the Ecotron. The Virtual Ecotron was developed to allow a virtual tour of the Ecotron. So without visiting the Ecotron users can learn how the Ecotron works, what happens inside a chamber, how simple ecosystems function and the interactions between organisims.
The Virtual Ecotron was set up as part of NERC's 'Public Understanding of Science' initiative, and is aimed at both professional biologists and the general public.
The Virtual Ecotron was written and developed by Asher Minns (formerly the CPB Public Understanding of Science Officer) and made by Gerard Briscoe (Imperial College student). It was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council.
