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.
Who was Malcolm MacEwen?
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.
What does the Trust do?
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."
The Trust operates in three main ways:
- It provides bursaries to encourage outstanding undergraduate or post-graduate students to undertake research projects on Exmoor. See below for information on how to apply.
- It funds an annual 8 – 10 week summer placement with the National Park Authority through the Step Programme (see www.Step.org.uk). The placements are advertised on the Step programme’s opportunities portal - www.stepplacements.co.uk – usually in late spring.
- It provides research grants to support research projects relevant to the conservation of Exmoor National Park. Applications should be made to the Honorary Secretary – details below.
How does the Trust pay for these things?
The main source of funding is a capital fund established in Malcolm MacEwen’s memory. Financial contributions were made by 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.
The Trust also welcomes donations towards its work.
What are the bursaries worth?
The bursaries are normally in the region of £500. They are paid in two instalments - half at the start of the project, and half on receipt of a satisfactory final project report. The bursaries are intended to encourage outstanding students to carry out project work on Exmoor so it is up to the student how the money is spent. However, it not just about money. The Trustees only support projects that will make a real contribution to the conservation of Exmoor and its special qualities so successful applicants will know that the work they are doing is helping to tackle real, current environmental issues. Additionally, staff of Exmoor National Park Authority will be available to provide advice and information to the successful candidate. At a time of intense completion for jobs, particularly in environmental conservation and related fields, having attracted a Malcolm MacEwen bursary for their project can help students to stand out from the crowd.
Who is eligible to apply?
Any student registered at a UK university or college may apply. The trustees are particularly keen to encourage applications from students from the local area, whose home address is within Exmoor National Park or within about 15 km of its boundary.
Normally the project should be undertaken as a requirement of the course of study being followed by the student and is typically the major project or dissertation on a Masters degree course but could be carried out in year 2 or 3 of an undergraduate degree course . It is expected to be a major piece of work of a very good academic standard
How do I apply?
There is no application form. Written applications for the bursary may be made at any time. The application should include:
- the candidates name, contact address and phone number;
- an outline of the proposed research topic and its significance.
- 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 may 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 may be invited to interview, which will normally take place at Dulverton, Somerset.
To submit an application or 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