Pioneering Urban Conservationist Mathew Frith Leaves Lasting Legacy

Mathew Frith, a highly respected urban nature conservationist, sadly passed away last month at the age of 64 after battling a glioblastoma (brain tumor). Frith was best known for his pioneering work in London, but his impact extended nationwide as a champion of urban nature, citizen science, and improved public access to green spaces.

In 1989, Frith joined the London Wildlife Trust, a charity dedicated to creating a greener and more inclusive city. As the warden of Sydenham Hill Wood from 1990 to 1995, he managed volunteers and gained valuable insights into the workings of an urban woodland. Frith later served as the urban advisor at English Nature and was a member of the government's influential Urban Green Spaces Taskforce, where he revised national standards for equal access to green spaces.

In 2002, Frith joined the Peabody Trust and co-founded the Neighbourhoods Green, a landmark £15.6m program aimed at enhancing the lives of residents across 70 housing estates. Drawn back to the London Wildlife Trust in 2009, Frith held various leadership roles, including director of policy and research, deputy chief executive, and director of conservation. He was also a lecturer at UCL Birkbeck and advised numerous organizations on urban nature and environmental management.

Frith's dedication and expertise were recognized in 2023 when he was appointed MBE for his services to the natural environment. His passion for the ordinary as well as the rare, combined with his unique style and boundless energy, made him a beloved figure in the conservation community.