JOHN HARRISON MEMORIAL FUND

Have you thought of joining the staff of Britain’s most famous Bird Observatory as a supported volunteer? A limited number of grants are given to young people to work with other ornithologists at Fair Isle Bird Observatory.

The John Harrison Memorial Fund provides financial assistance to young ornithlogists between the ages of 16 and 24 to enable them to visit Fair Isle and take part in the daily work schedule of the Bird Observatory. This opportunity has launched the careers of many budding ornithologists, and several have later become staff of Fair Isle Bird Observatory itself. It was established in 1968 by the late Richard Richardson in memory of John Harrison of Hunstanton, Norfolk, who visited the island three times before he died at the very early age of nineteen.

Grants cover the cost of travel (so long as it is by the most economic means) from home to the Observatory and back. Full travel costs may only be given for visits of twoweeks or longer. While at the Observatory, awardees pay just £10 per day towards the cost of food and accommodation. Successful applicants are responsible forarranging their travel.

Awardees take part in the routine work conducted by the ornithological staff. The type of work varies depending on the time of year, so you are advised to contact the Warden if you have a particular interest such as ringing or migration studies, so that you can arrange your visit at the most appropriate time. Preference will be given to applicants wanting to come between April and July, which h incidentally are great times for spring migrants and breeding seabirds. Daily duties can involve on average two hours of data entry on computers, as well as migration censusing, ringing, trap repairs, tree planting, visitor liaison, and occasional maintenance tasks.

Successful applicants will be expected to write a short report of their stay suitable for publication in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Annual Report.

Application forms are available from the Bird Observatory and once completed should be sent to Dr Peter G.H. Evans, Ewyn y Don, Bull Bay, Amlwch, Isle of Anglesey, Wales, LL68 9SD (e-mail peter.evans@bangor.ac.uk tel. 01407-832892) along with a detailed CV (including your e-mail address and phone number), and two references (such as from a school teacher or university lecturer, and a senior naturalist/ornithologist) with whom you are well acquainted.

Dr Evans will then notify you if your application is successful, and you should then check the availability of accommodation with Hollie, the Administrator at the Observatory, and reserve your bed. You should then provide Hollie with details of your travel, and don't forget to save all travel receipts and present them to her when you arrive, to claim your travel back. Cost of travel will be offset against your bill for accommodation.           

Don’t miss this opportunity!