This paper demonstrates that integrating research into the curriculum can help to enhance the overall student learning experience. The Bourne Stream Partnership is a local community-based project which has provided environmental & geographical science students with the opportunity to work on live projects within a variety of contexts including work placements, research projects and assignment work. This work has helped to develop a range of student skills (including those in demand by employers) and has at the same time provided useful information for the partnership. (Contains 2 notes and 7 tables.)