A CARLISLE university student has returned from a 10-week trip to Borneo.

Zoology student Sophie Babbs, 21, took part in environmental work, community support and a 17-day trek through a rainforest.

Sophie received support from the Eleanor Peel Trust towards her trip with Raleigh International.

She said: "The first part of the trip was to the Danum Valley Conservation Area, 438 square kilometres of primary and secondary rainforest, which is a highly protected world-renowned conservation and research area, famous for its rich biodiversity and abundant wildlife.

"I helped Raleigh International and the Danum Valley staff in building a suspension bridge which will provide better access to the primary rainforest for researchers, subsequently, aiding in more efficient conservation work being carried out. Camera trapping too, to aid the cataloguing of species and the number of animals in the area should help the area achieve UNESCO world heritage status."

She also helped build a dam and provide toilet and washing facilities in the village of Kampung Mempakad.

“The 17 day trek is designed to develop as individuals and as a team, to see what we can achieve physically in arduous and challenging terrain,” Sophie recalls.

“We had to be self-sufficient, carrying all that we would need, supplies and equipment, between the group. We were wild camping along the trails and had to have a minimal to no effect on our surroundings, so the rainforest or environment would not be harmed.”

Now back in Cumbria and looking forward to continuing her second year studies, she describes the experience as ‘phenomenal’ and hopes it will inspire others to add more experience to their studies at Cumbria.

“Danum Valley was magical for the wildlife I got to see, seeing monkeys most days, having wild orangutans over our camp and work site, having bearded pigs and civets in camp, and even just the noises of the insects at all times of day. I will never forget the joy on the people faces when they got safe running water to their village for the first time in 50 years, it was an extraordinary feeling to know we have helped them.

"One of the other most rewarding parts of this entire expedition is how genuine friendship have been built between volunteers from all over the world and communities I was in, and I will treasure these friendships for the rest of my life.”