About
Our Aims
The Justin Smith Foundation is committed to championing the “forgotten Kingdom” of fungi. There is a marked knowledge gap regarding the numbers of fungi specialists, and our Foundation’s aim is to narrow that gap. In partnership with Avon Wildlife Trust (Registered Charity No. 280422) we endeavour to introduce this fascinating world to all those who are interested, especially any budding young mycologists through classes and workshops and forays, books and films. For more information get in touch.
Justin’s Story
The Foundation was created by Justin’s widow Lucy, in memory of Justin Smith who died from Sudden Arithymic Death Syndrome (SADS) in March 2014 at the age of 46. Justin was Bristol City Council’s woodland and wildlife officer, and an expert mycologist, botanist, lichenologist and bryophyte specialist highly regarded for his training programmes and fun fungi forays. He featured on BBC TV and radio and advised numerous relevant organisations with his expert knowledge, including Avon Wildlife Trust, British Mycology Society, Woodland Trust, Kew Gardens and countless more.
Justin’s Library
Justin had a huge appetite for knowledge and was always trying to learn more about the fascinating world around us, especially fungi, lichens and lower plants. View his extensive library of books, journals, music and DVDs, some of which are for sale with the proceeds going towards the Foundation.
Other useful Fungi resources like identification books, swatch books, hand lenses and notebooks are also available. Get in touch to find out more.
Justin’s Meadow
Situated in the beautiful grounds of Ashton Court Estate in Bristol, Ashton Court Meadow was re-named in memory of Justin in 2015. He had been involved with the site for over 15 years.
Justin was a voluntary warden for the meadow, and over many years he regularly made records of the wildlife he found. He recorded over 200 different species of fungi and 35 species of lichen here.
Justin’s Meadow is managed by Bristol City Council with support from Natural England’s Higher Level Stewardship Scheme (HLS) as part of the Rural Development Plan for England (RDPE).
Justin’s Bench
Justin’s Meadow has formed on an area of limestone, resulting in a characteristic community of plants and provides a home for over a hundred species of insect and is an important habitat for a number of fungi. Offering a place to foray, amble, rest and reflect, the Meadow also features Justin’s Bench, which is surrounded by a wide range of flowers, grasses and woodland. The bench was kindly carved in memory of Justin by Wild Wood Carving expert Andy O’Neill.
