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The Exmoor Research Fund

Funding for up to £2,000 for research relating to Exmoor

The Exmoor Society’s Research Fund, set up in memory of the radical Exmoor conservationist, Malcolm MacEwen, supports research that contributes to the understanding of Exmoor. We are particularly interested in forward-looking research that aligns with our charitable purposes to promote the conservation and enhancement of Exmoor’s special qualities. Subjects could include landscape and environment, farming and culture. It is a broad brief. Depending on the purpose of funding we expect successful applicants to be available to speak and/or write about their work so that it can be communicated to a wider audience.

Our funds can contribute towards costs up to a typical maximum of £2,000* to cover research time, field work, travel and subsistence, conference and other research expenses. Please give us as much information as possible to assist us in our decision.

To apply, please send an email to info@exmoorsociety.com with the subject line Exmoor Fund Application that includes the following information:

  • Name, contact details and any relevant affiliation
  • An outline of your project or research (max. 400 words);
  • The time frame of the project or research;
  • How does the project or research relate to, and benefit, Exmoor and the charitable purposes of the Exmoor Society? (max. 400 words)
  • What the funding will cover and amount requested;
  • Where applicable, who/which organisation is co-funding the research, and the amount of funding secured?
  • Any further information you think we should know including, if applicable, your academic background and qualifications.

Further notes to guide applicants:

  • Applications must align with the Exmoor Societies charitable purposes
  • The application period is open all year, with applications reviewed and responded to at least quarterly.
  • Your research must be conducted in/about Exmoor, unless you can show that your work is anyway relevant to Exmoor; the subject can be novel or may expand on existing knowledge
  • Funding will normally be made to designated individuals or projects, not to institutions to which they may be affiliated. We welcome applications from students.
  • Other support is available from the Exmoor Society. The Society maintains its own Resource Centre and archive at its Dulverton offices, open for public use. Trustees and partner organisations may also be able to offer expertise and assistance depending upon the topic
  • Explicit acknowledgment of Exmoor Society sponsorship is required in any form of publication (paper, report, display, oral presentation, etc)

*Requests for larger amounts may be considered by the Society on an individual basis and will depend on the availability of funds and a clear justification of the cost in terms of the research’s exceptional alignment to the Society’s charitable purpose.