i graduated in July with a MSc (distinction)in Applied Ecology and had to start working straight away (in an unrelated job) to try to pay off some debts. I want to do a PhD in Ecology/Conservation Biology, but am worried that I won't be able to compete for funding with applicants with more relevant experience. I have made a few enquiries to supervisors, but haven't had any responses. Has anyone got any advice or morale-boosting comments to cheer me up? I feel really out of the academic loop, and it's only been 6 months!!

Competition for PhDs in ecology and conservation biology is high. If you're not getting replies from supervisors, write to the person named in the 'Enquiries To' part of the departmental information. Supervisors are often bombarded by so many speculative enquiries that they give up replying to them. A recent adition to FindAPhD may be of interest to you: RPS Ecoscope