A passion for plants is the primary requirement to qualify for a grant from the Merlin Trust.

Successful applicants have in the past trekked across Nepal discovering rare plants, visited botanical gardens in the USA and Canada, and studied trees in Kent. 

Grants are awarded to enable young horticulturists to visit gardens in Britain or abroad, or travel to see wild plants in their native habitats. Travel and other expenses are paid.

The trust was set up by Sir David Scott's widow, Valerie Finnis, in memory of her husband and their son, Merlin, killed in North Africa during the second World War. Any idea large or small will be considered in fields such as photography, painting, written observations seed collection, the conservation of garden plants or to travel and study plants and gardens. 

Applicants should be British or Irish, aged 18 to 30, and able to show how their proposed project will help their present work. Applications can be made at any time.

Further Information
For more information send a large (A4) SAE to Valerie Finnis VMH, Hon Secretary, The Dower House, Boughton House, Kettering, Northamptonshire NN14 1BJ. Tel 01536 482279. Fax 01536 482294.
Website http://www.merlin-trust.org.uk