Botanic garden curator killed by falling tree during Storm Boelo

Richard Baines, the 60-year-old curator of Logan Botanic Garden, has died following a tragic accident during Storm Boelo in Scotland. Mr. Baines was struck by a falling tree while walking near his home in Mid Kelton, near Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway, on Sunday morning.

David Knott, director of horticulture at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, paid tribute to Baines, describing him as an ‘enthusiastic plantsman’ whose contributions were ‘immeasurable.’ Baines was noted for leading significant initiatives at Logan Botanic Garden, including the establishment of the UK’s first ‘all green’ public conservatory powered by green energy.

His botanical work included fieldwork in China, the Canary Islands, and Vietnam, resulting in the publication of seven plant species new to science.

Storm Boelo, the second named storm of the season, brought wind speeds of up to 84mph to the region, causing widespread flooding, power outages for approximately 150,000 homes, and significant travel disruption across the country.