Southern curlew crisis aided by WHCT grant
The Wildlife Habitat Charitable Trust has awarded a £75k grant to the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust to help combat the curlew crisis in Southern England.
BASC Legacy and BWF David Gray scholarship recipients announced
The BASC Legacy and BWF David Gray conservation scholarships provide financial support to students in further and higher education.
The BASC Legacy Funded Scholarship programme exists to provide financial support to higher or further education students studying – or about to start a course – in the areas of gamekeeping, land management or conservation.
New for 2024 was the addition of the BASC Wildlife Fund David Gray Conservation Scholarship, which supports those studying for conservation or land management qualifications.
The recipients of the BASC Legacy Scholarship awards this year are Joseph Duke and Will Crowther. Securing support from the BASC Wildlife Fund David Gray Conservation Scholarship are Christian Woodward and Molly Burton.
BASC head of education and outreach Curtis Mossop said: “Since we launched the first scholarships in 2019, BASC has committed nearly £90,000 to supporting young people pursuing a career in gamekeeping, conservation or land management.
“Our scholarships are directly removing barriers and we have a fantastic range of youth ambassadors because of it.”
Meet this year's recipients
Christian Woodward
Christian is currently studying a BSc in wildlife conservation at Liverpool John Moores University.
He said: “I feel honoured to have been chosen for the BASC Wildlife Fund David Gray Scholarship programme. As a keen outdoorsman, I would be happy to pursue a career in wildlife management.
“I would particularly like to work in the animal reintroduction field of conservation, working to restore previous ecological fields we once had in Britain back to their natural state.
Molly Burton
Molly is studying Level 3 Countryside at Hartpury College.
She said: “Being granted the scholarship award is a great honour. Growing up in the countryside I’ve always been very passionate about conservation work.
“I plan to use my college course and support from BASC to help me pursue a career in conservation and land management.”
Joseph Duke
Joseph is studying his second year of Level 3 Land and Wildlife (Game) at Sparsholt College.
He said: “I was speechless to hear I had got the scholarship. The award will help me significantly through the next year.
“Once I finish college, I aim to become a gamekeeper on a wild bird shoot where I can manage grey partridge and carry out conservation work.”
Will Crowther
Will is studying Level 3 Countryside Management (Game) at Bishop Burton College.
He said: “I was thrilled to get the scholarship and very proud to be supported by BASC. The award will really help to support me in my studies and placement work in the uplands.
“I hope to get a job as a beat keeper on a grouse moor and help to make a positive impact on this important habitat.”
BASC Scholarship programme: what you need to know
The scholarships open for new applications every summer. They are open to all UK citizens who are BASC members, or whose immediate family members are members. The maximum award is £4,500 per annum.
BASC Legacy Funded Scholarship supports students keen to study conservation, land management or gamekeeping. It provides financial support to applications where limited funds could obstruct education and future career paths.
BASC Wildlife Fund David Gray Conservation Scholarship, launched in 2024, provides financial support for those studying, or looking to study, conservation-related or land management courses.
You can read about the previous BASC scholarship recipients, here.
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