Thanks, I guess going on uni websites and reading up on peoples research and then contacting them rather than going on findaphd.com may be better. I find on that website that the wrong info is often on ads regarding closing dates and funding availability.
I was a mature student when I was an undergrad so have lots of work experience, in the current climate its not easy to get relevant work experience though.
My college is of no use at all. Never do a degree at an agricultural college they have very poor facilities and we were penalised (by the accrediting Uni of Leeds) for the poor teaching abilities by being made to do two 10,000 word dissertations in the final year! I will be requesting references from there though.

Can anyone offer any advice please. I am researching into PhDs but left college 2 years ago so don't have reliable advise from tutors. Is there an optimal time to apply i.e. are there more listed on findaphd.com at certain times? Is it possible to get a place with only a BSc (First Class hons), I've heard that this used to be the case but now Masters are becoming essential. How about these New Route PhDs. I want to do a PhD in animal conservation/management/ecology but do not have a specific area in mind, should I have a more specific idea of research?