THE deadline for applications to a fund set-up in memory of Dr Dick Potts, the former director-general of the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), has been extended until next year.
Grants made from the Dick Potts Legacy Fund will help cover the expenses of small projects covering farmland wildlife research, investigating flora and associated habitats, purchasing research supplies as well as covering equipment costs, travel, software and attendance at conferences.
Young ecologists, farmers, gamekeepers and land managers can all apply to receive grants from the fund.
“So far, we’ve had some interesting inquiries but it has become apparent that the initial deadline did not fit well with the academic year, so we have extended it to January 19,” said Dr. Julie Ewald, head of geographical information systems at GWCT.
The idea for the fund, in memory of Dr Potts, came from his wife Olga.
After his death on March 30 this year, Olga was inundated with letters from people her husband had helped and inspired over the years and who wanted to give something back. In order to do this, she launched the Dick Potts Legacy Fund.
Since the appeal launched, more than £14,500 has been raised.
Dr Ewald, who helped launch the Fund with Olga, added: “Dick Potts was quite innovative in how he would arrive at the solution to a problem, often devising small experiments or ways of analysing data that showed the best way forward.
“What we are looking for is similar projects that seek to advance the field of applied wildlife ecology, based on the hunch of those involved in hands on conservation work. They should be well thought out and address a recognised problem in conservation.
“It is due to the generosity of friends, family and former colleagues of Dick that we are able to offer this opportunity and we would like to thank everyone for their kind donations.
“The plan is to keep the fund going into the future so any further donations will be gratefully received.”
How to apply - closing date Friday, January 19
Please email the following details to dickpottsfund@gwct.org.uk
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Name
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Address
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Email
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Phone
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Your Curriculum Vitae and the names and email addresses of two referees
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Please provide your information below, including, in no more than 2500 words:
a) Project Overview. Tell us why you are applying for an award; what is innovative and practical about the work you propose to do and how it will advance our knowledge of Farmland Ecology.
b) Experiment Specifications. Set out details of your proposed experiment design including costings, timescale, sample sizes, site of the work and details of any access permission where appropriate. If you are in receipt of any other funding please attach details.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their proposals to the committee at the GWCT headquarters in Fordingbridge, via Skype.
Notes to editors
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies. The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse.
For information, contact:
Eleanor Williams
Telephone: 07592 025476
Email: press@gwct.org.uk