species and the 4 Icelandic mammals. Example of collaboration The University of Glasgow The Exploration Society (ExSoc) at the University of Glasgow supports young minds to travel, explore and research new environments. The first Iceland Expedition to Skálanes was set up in 2008 and since then a group of around six students has spent the summer months carrying out both individual and group research projects around the reserve. Skálanes provides a landscape and environment ideal for the development of research skills in a broad range of disciplines. Past Projects The impact of Alaskan Lupin on ground nesting birds Topographical surveys of archaeological sites Distribution and shell colour of periwinkles The impact of nature based tourism on environmental awareness The breeding success of fulmars, kittiwakes and Arctic terns The distribution, size and abundance of microplastics Planning The Iceland Expedition is an entirely student-led trip, with each team member having an individual role within the group. The expedition team work in conjunction with Skálanes director Ólafur Örn Pétursson in order to arrange research projects that will both benefit the University of Glasgow and the Skálanes Reserve. The planning process begins in early October with the expedition beginning in the summer the following year. A full report of each expedition is published in the University of Glasgow Library. Many of the expeditions to Skálanes have had financial support from charitable institutions including: Royal Geographical Society, Glasgow Natural History Society and Gilchrist Educational Trust. The expedition is also financed by private fundraising and personal contribution. Projects at Skálanes There are many long term projects that are currently being undertaken in the reserve. Turf wall / -building construction The method of using turf for creating boundaries and structures can be seen in many places throughout Iceland and is being used at Skálanes due to its heritage significance and unobtrusiveness when placed in natural environments. The work entails cutting and stacking turf in two lines and filling the centre with soil. The turf is overlapped in each layer similar to bricks in a house and tied together with pieces of turf which bridge the central cavity. The top is then capped with large pieces of turf. Path work Essential to present and future visitor management is the creation and upkeep of various paths within the reserve. Staff are currently designing a specification for path construction and starting to lay paths in the most heavily used areas