The Blodwen Lloyd Binns Bequest: three decades of major positive impacts on Glasgow Natural History Society

Abstract

The establishment of the Blodwen Lloyd Binns (BLB) Bequest in 1991 and the transformative impact of its first 20 years on the development of Glasgow Natural History Society have previously been reported. This paper describes the following decade, up to 2022. BLB’s requests, including publication of a biography of John Scouler and floras of Renfrewshire and Lanarkshire have been carried out. Sadly, Peter Macpherson, author of the Lanarkshire flora, died before publication of his book. The overall capital value of the Bequest has been maintained, and supplemented in the last decade by additional legacies and donations. The income generated has been used to fund a wide variety of natural history projects: publication of The Glasgow Naturalist and several books, a BLB prize and lecture series, the organisation of several conferences, bursaries to help young scientists learn identification and recording skills, and funding of a wealth of public engagement and research work, including student expeditions and tools to help communities appreciate local biodiversity. Although the COVID-19 pandemic curtailed some work normally funded by the Bequest, the lack of funding applications allowed strengthening of the Bequest’s capital through re-investment. The future positive impact of the Bequest on the Society’s activities looks secure.