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

Two Master of Science students from the University of Exeter recently immersed themselves in the rhythms of Aride Island, one of Seychelles’ 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.

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