My brother-in-law Justin Smith, who has died suddenly aged 46, was Bristol city council's woodland and wildlife officer, and an expert mycologist, botanist, lichenologist and bryophyte specialist, with further expertise in ferns and hoverflies. He carried out Site of Special Scientific Interest surveys for Natural England and research for Kew, and was widely known for his training programmes, guided walks, illustrated talks and fungi forays.
He was born and raised in Worcester, the only son of Eva – originally from East Germany – and Melvyn, a former coach-builder, who met her while doing national service. Encouraged by Eva, Justin began a lifelong love for woodlands as a child. By 14 he was studying fungi and rocks, which led to a geology degree at Exeter University.
His skills developed through his work for the Conservation Volunteers and as an ecological surveyor. Moving from Manchester to the West Country, Justin joined Avon Wildlife Trust as project co-ordinator and botanical trainer. There his infectious passion for fungi, plants and their environments was matched by his love for teaching others about the natural world.
Another interest was music. Justin enjoyed drumming and singing in his bands Twitcher, King Alfred's Cakes and Dead Man's Fingers. An avid collector, he championed obscure branches of experimental music much as he curated the diverse world of lower plants.
In 1995 Justin made Bristol his base for international field trips. On a Spanish language course in 2005 he met Lucy, an environmentalist. They married in 2008 and their son, Wilf, was born.
Justin's easy manner, knowledge, and ability to communicate what he knew to others, were his biggest gifts. At AWT, Natureworks in Somerset (which provides training for people with special needs) and latterly in Bristol, his work supported diverse groups, including patients with mental health issues, adults with learning disabilities, the long-term unemployed and those taking part in Community Payback. Instantly engaging, Justin had a colourful enthusiasm that led to numerous television and radio appearances.
Recently, Justin was proud to become a member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.
He is survived by Lucy, Wilf and his parents.
