Local botanist Sue Jury, Vice‑county Recorder for Midlothian (VC83), has received an award from the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) (bsbi.org) in recognition of her outstanding contribution to botany in 2025.
The award, highlighted in the Spring 2026 edition of BSBI News 162, is presented annually to members who have gone above and beyond to inspire and support others in botany, either locally or at a national level.
Sue became Vice‑county Recorder for Midlothian in 2022. Since then, she has devoted a huge amount of time to botanical recording across the county. She records plants independently and alongside others, often leading field visits or working with fellow botanists. As a result, many people admire her enthusiasm and expertise.
Over the past three years, Sue has contributed more than 100,000 botanical records to BSBI recording schemes. She has surveyed 74% of Midlothian at monad level and discovered numerous new county records. In addition, she has recorded several species of national significance, including Juncus anthelatus (Lax‑flowered Rush), Beckmannia syzigachne (American Slough‑grass) and Elymus athericus (Sea Couch).
Sue also organises monthly botanical walks during the recording season, supporting and mentoring members of the local WhatsApp Botany Group. Through her encouragement and guidance, more people are now actively recording plants across the county.
In addition, Sue works closely with organisations including TWIC, the Botanical Society of Scotland (BSS) and the Edinburgh Natural History Society, helping to promote botany and biological recording in the area.
Congratulations to Sue on this well‑deserved recognition.
With thanks to the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland for permission to reproduce text and an image from BSBI News 162. Find out more about the BSBI awards on the BSBI website.