A new Chair and four Trustees have been appointed to the board of the Botanics Foundation, a charity formed to support the work of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE). 

Duncan Menzies, appointed as Chair, is joined by Trustees George Mackintosh, Dr Brian Lang, and RBGE Board Representatives Professor Sarah Gurr and Liz Trevor. They join existing Trustees Alex Reedijk, Bruce Minto, James Ferguson and Liz McAreavey. 

The Botanics Foundation is an independent charity that seeks to advance through charitable giving the mission of RBGE to explore, conserve and explain the world of plants for a better future. Through this giving, the Foundation enhances the Garden’s world-leading science, action in conservation, education for everyone, community impact, and access to art, culture and collections.  

Director of Development at RBGE, Emma Lacroix commented: “The value of the role undertaken by the Botanics Foundation should not be underestimated. In an era when 40 per cent of all known plant species are endangered, it is vital we summon all our resources and capture the imagination of individuals, trusts and organisations with a desire to work towards a better future.” 

The value brought to the wider organisation by the Botanics Foundation is demonstrated in advancements for seven recently funded projects. These include redevelopment of the Queen Mother’s Memorial Garden, the realisation of a new book on Chilean plant conservation and the provision of PhD student support. Behind the scenes, in RBGE’s labs, there is also support for the team taking on the massive task of DNA barcoding Britain’s exceptional array of lichens and bryophytes.  

Lord Menzies concluded: “While this is an era of significant challenges, it also presents terrific opportunities for the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and all who engage with it. This organisation provides incredible resources through its outstanding plant science and conservation horticulture, formal and informal education and public engagement. It is inspiring and empowering people across the country and around the world to join the fight back against the biodiversity crisis and climate emergency.

“As a Board, it is our mission to provide real and sustainable support to the vast raft of initiatives happening in Scotland and around the world thanks to RBGE and those working in partnership with it to make a real difference. It is a challenge we accept with great pleasure and sense of purpose. There is much more good work to be done.”

Read more at https://www.rbge.org.uk/support-us/the-botanics-foundation/