Within the framework of the ongoing discussions on the importance of the Cockpit Country (see map) as an important reservoir of unquantified biodiversity, and in keeping with repeated calls for remote field stations, the Windsor Research Centre was established to promote, facilitate, monitor and centralise research associated with the Cockpit Country.

This maintains the research link, which historically has been associated with the area from at least 1920, when Harold E. Anthony' (mammologist at American Museum of Natural History, NY) visited Windsor and stayed at the Great House. Note also the connection with Miriam Rothschild, who conducted seminal research on mammalian ectoparasites in Windsor Cave and who owned Windsor Great House during the 1950's.

Mission Statement

The mission of the WRC is to promote research in the Natural Sciences with particular reference to the conservation of Cockpit Country; to act as a repository for this research; to disseminate information to ensure the best-possible protection and management of Cockpit Country.

Goals:

• To provide adequate logistic support to meet demand, including lodging, laboratory facilities, transport, communications, on-site reference documentation and local information packages (including maps, historical data; aerial surveys etc); to supply baseline meteorological info.;
  
• to maintain of a pool of local expertise to assist visitors;
  
• To assist in liaison between researchers and institutions such as NEPA (formerly NRCA) and Forestry Department;

• To facilitate future research by improving existing species inventories and the natural histories of flora and fauna

• Encourage the presence of local student population (especially from UWI) to participate and collaborate with projects with an expected outcome of more research being initiated by local graduates

• To promote conservation by dissemination of the results of research to all levels of society, including presentations at the appropriate level for interests and communities associated with the Cockpit Country

• To apply academic knowledge and research to socio-economic development by demonstrating appropriate crops, appropriate technology and sustainable practices in the local environment

• To ensure financial sustainability of WRC , fees will be charged for the above services and short "tropical field experience courses" for overseas students and their lecturers will be marketed.

(See alsoArticles of Association and Memorandum of Association)

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