APPLICATIONS for funding to support young ecologists, farmers, gamekeepers and land managers are being considered.

The Dick Potts Legacy Fund was launched in memory of internationally renowned scientist Dr Dick Potts from Fordingbridge-based Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT).

The idea for the fund came from his wife Olga. After Dr Potts’ death on March 30, Olga was inundated with letters from people her husband had helped and inspired over the years and wanted to give something back.

Since the appeal launched, more than £14,500 has been raised, which will help cover the expenses of small projects covering for example farmland wildlife research, investigating flora and associated habitats, purchasing research supplies and equipment, and travel, software and attendance at conferences.

Julie Ewald, the head of geographical information science at GWCT, who together with Olga helped organise the fundraising appeal, said: “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. We look forward to reading applications and deciding on which ones to support with funds from the Dick Potts Legacy Fund.

“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.”

The closing date for applications is October 31. They need to include an overview of the project and experiment specifications. Email dickpottsfund@gwct.org.uk.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their proposals to the committee at the GWCT headquarters in Fordingbridge via Skype.