THE FORMER director general of an East Dorset-based conservation trust has received the prestigious RSPB posthumous medal.

Olga Potts collected the award on behalf of her late husband Dick Potts at the RSPB's Members' Day and AGM.

Dick, who was internationally-recognised in his field, was given the medal by the RSPB Council for his outstanding contribution to nature conservation shortly before he died on March 30 this year.

The Yorkshire-born ecologist made a sustained contribution to conservation and science from the 1970s onwards, particularly through ground-breaking studies into the effects of chemicals on farmland birds, especially the grey partridge.

In 1976 he moved to Fordingbridge after he was appointed director of research of the Game Conservancy Trust - which became the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust in 2007 - before he took the role of director general in 1992.

After collecting the accolade on Dick’s behalf at the QE11 conference centre in London on Saturday October 7, Olga said how much the award meant to him.

"He would never have imagined as a small boy with a passion for the wildlife around him - as recorded in his very early diaries - that he would be honoured with this prestigious award," she said.

“He was modest about his achievements and would have seen this as an award for a great team, both past and present."

Olga said the Legacy Fund which has been established in Dick’s memory has raised £14,500 since it launched and applications are now open for young ecologists, farmers, gamekeepers and land managers to receive grants for exciting projects.

“Dick thrived on the company of young scientists and their fresh ideas, and there are new young researchers at the GWCT following in his footsteps," she said.

"We aim to keep this going through his Legacy Fund-applications.

“He was an eternal optimist and I believe would have seen this as confirmation that all those involved in conservation in its many forms are working towards the same goal--ensuring a sustained environment for future generations.”

To apply for funding visit www.gwct.org.uk/news/news/2017/october/submit-your-application-for-the-dick-potts-legacy-fund/.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 31st October.