What is the Malcolm MacEwen Trust?

The Malcolm MacEwen Trust is a registered charity established in 1999 to commemorate the late Malcolm MacEwen’s outstanding contribution to the conservation of Exmoor and the National Parks of England and Wales. The objects of the Trust are:

"the advancement of education through the provision of grants to help support the cost of research projects on topics relevant to the conservation of Exmoor National Park and its special qualities."

IN PARTICULAR THE TRUST PROVIDES AN ANNUAL BURSARY TO ENCOURAGE OUTSTANDING UNDERGRADUATE OR POST-GRADUATE STUDENTS TO UNDERTAKE RESEARCH PROJECTS ON EXMOOR.

The bursary is provided from a capital fund established in Malcolm MacEwen’s memory. Financial contributions from the Exmoor National Park Authority, the Association of National Park Authorities, the Council for National Parks, the Council for the Preservation of Rural England, the Ramblers Association, the Open Spaces Society and the Exmoor Society as well as individual donations.

Why is the bursary awarded?

Malcolm MacEwen (1911 - 1996) was a Member of the Exmoor National Park Committee from 1973 until 1981. He fought doggedly for the conservation of the National Park and was pivotal in the moves that led to Lord Porchester’s A Study of Exmoor in 1977. This influential report made a major contribution to reducing the rate of loss of Exmoor moorland and led to the introduction of management agreements as a mechanism for conservation.

Mr MacEwen was acutely aware of the need for accurate and up-to-date evidence to support the conservation arguments he so effectively espoused.

How much is the bursary? The actual amount of the bursary will vary but normally will be in the region of £500. It is paid in two instalments -–half at the start of the project on receipt of a satisfactory project report. Additionally, staff of Exmoor National Park Authority will provide advice and information to the successful candidate.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any student registered at a UK university or college may apply but priority is given to:

a student registered at one of the following academic institutions:

University of Exeter

University of Bath

University of Bournemouth

University of Bristol

University of Plymouth

University of the West of England; or

a student on the MSc Conservation Course at University College, London; or

a student at any UK university whose home address is within Exmoor National Park or within 5 miles of its boundary.

Normally the project should be undertaken as a requirement of the course of study being followed by the student.

How do I apply?

There is no application form. Written applications for the bursary must be received by the end of March in the year in which the research will be undertaken. The application should clearly show:

the candidates name, contact address and phone number;

the way in which the candidate meets the eligibility criteria; and

an outline of the proposed research topic and its significance. The application must be accompanied by a signed statement from a member of the academic staff of the relevant university/college to the effect that he/she supports the application and will supervise the research. (A confidential reference will be sought from this person in due course).

How will the selection be made?

Applications will be evaluated by the Trustees of the Malcolm MacEwen Trust. Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview, which will normally take place at Dulverton, Somerset during April or May. Applicants will usually be informed of the outcome before the end of May.

Donations T

he Trust welcomes donations towards it work. All contributions will be put into the Trust fund, the income from which will finance grants to support research on Exmoor National Park.

For further information please contact:

Dr Graham Wills

Honorary Secretary

The Malcolm MacEwen Trust

Exmoor House

DULVERTON

Somerset

TA22 9HL

Tel: 01398 323665

Fax: 01398 323150

E-Mail: glwills@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Supporting research on the conservation of Exmoor National Park