Sunday, 20 October 2024

Tree Planting In Memory of Eric Greenwood

On Monday October 14th, a Bird Cherry tree (Prunus padus ‘Watereri’) was planted at Burton Manor in memory of Eric Greenwood, who died in 2022.

Peter Cunnington of Burton Manor lowering the tree into the ground
Peter Cunnington of Burton Manor lowering the tree into the ground

Barbara, Eric's wife and fellow botanist, planting the tree
Barbara, Eric's wife and fellow botanist, planting the tree

This event was organized by the Liverpool Botanical Society which he had been a member of since 1966.

Members of Liverpool Botanical Society and Wirral Wildlife
Members of Liverpool Botanical Society and Wirral Wildlife

A botanist by training, Eric joined the staff of the City of Liverpool Museum in 1966 where he worked until his retirement.

Eric was also involved in local natural history, record centres and conservation organisations (53 years involvement with Lancashire Wildlife Trust for example). Many other scientific and museum organisations also benefited from his expertise. His book ‘Flora of North Lancashire’ was published in 2012 and was the culmination of over 40 years field work.

Barbara attaching a stake for the tree
Barbara attaching a stake for the tree

Eric was a regular attender at Wirral Wildlife events and our ‘go to’ botanist to identify a particularly tricky sedge, grass or orchid.

Wirral was Eric’s adopted home even if his botanical heart was in Lancashire. He loved walking the local field and estuary paths finding new plants as he went, so this tree placed in an area he knew well is a fitting tribute.

Eric with Barbara in their garden in 2022 when he was presented with the President’s Medal of the Royal Society of Biology
Eric with Barbara in their garden in 2022 when he was presented with the
President’s Medal of the Royal Society of Biology

The Bird Cherry tree planted in Eric's memory
The Bird Cherry tree planted in Eric's memory

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