Beverley Clarkson

Beverley Rae Clarkson is a New Zealand botanist, ecologist and wetland researcher and conservationist. She is best known for her research into and her conservation work with New Zealand wetlands. In 2021, the city of Hamilton awarded her the Hamilton-Kirikiroa Medal. In the same year Clarkson was awarded the New Zealand conservation award, the Loder Cup.

Early life and education Clarkson's interest in botany was sparked and supported by her parents with both her mother and father teaching her about botany, taking her on trips into the bush to study and collect plants. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in 1974 from the University of Waikato. She then attended the Christchurch College of Education, earning a Diploma in Education in 1977. She subsequently returned to the University of Waikato, obtaining a Masters of Science in 1980 and a PhD in 2005. Her doctoral thesis was titled Restiad bog development and nutrient dynamics of the dominant species.

Botany and conservation work Clarkson works for Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research as a senior researcher in plant ecology.

Clarkson is a member and has served on the committee of the New Zealand Botanical Society. She is also a member of the Waikato Conservation Board, the International Mire Conservation Group and the International Society of Wetland Scientists.

Awards In 2020, Clarkson received the Kudos Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2021 Clarkson was awarded the Hamilton-Kirikiroa Medal by the city of Hamilton. This award was presented to Clarkson in April 2022.

Family Clarkson is married to botanist and academic Bruce D. Clarkson.

Selected works