Elaine Bullard facts for kids

Elaine Rebecca Bullard (1915–2011) was a British botanist. A botanist is a scientist who studies plants. Elaine spent over 50 years exploring and recording plants in the Orkney Islands and Caithness in the UK. She also helped people understand the importance of protecting the natural places where these plants grow. Elaine was a key person in the Orkney Field Club, which she helped start in 1959. She was the club's president from 1993 until she passed away.

Exploring Orkney's Plants

Elaine explored all 39 islands of Orkney. She recorded many types of plants. These included both flowering plants and non-flowering plants like ferns. Orkney has about 500 native plant species. Another 200 kinds of plants have been brought there by people.

Recording Plant Life

Elaine recorded not only different species. She also noted plant hybrids. Over more than 50 years, she built up amazing knowledge. Her records of Orkney's plant life were truly special. Sometimes, she traveled in a Robin Reliant three-wheeled car. She changed it so it could also be a tent!

Comparing Islands and Mainland

She also made records in Caithness. This area is on the mainland next to Orkney. She did this to compare plants on the islands with those on the mainland. Her records helped scientists see how changes in land use and climate affected plants. She visited the same places many times.

Protecting Nature

Elaine also worked hard to create a place for all biological records from Orkney. She was successful, and the Orkney Biodiversity Records Centre was founded. Her work inspired many people. This included visiting scientists, students, and teachers for decades.

Official Plant Recorder

For 46 years (1963–2009), she was the Official Recorder of Orkney. This was for the Botanical Society of the British Isles. She stopped this job when she was 93 years old.

Important Publications

Elaine wrote many scientific papers and book chapters. She wrote about the Scottish primrose (Primula scotica). This special flower only grows in Orkney and on the north coast of Scotland. Her checklist of Orkney's flowering plants and ferns was published in 1972. It was updated later. This book is still the most important guide to the island's plants.

Elaine's Life Journey

Elaine Bullard was interested in plants from age 10. She learned about botany all by herself. She moved to Orkney in 1946. There, she worked for the Milk Marketing Board. Her job was to record milk production. In 1960, she left this job. She wanted to spend all her time recording Orkney's plants.