WE ARE HERE, LET'S DO SOME GOOD

Matthew’s simple philosophy and how it became a powerful legacy for the environment.

Do you have a favourite natural place, plant or animal? For Matthew, these connections shaped a lifelong love for the environment and inspired a legacy that will protect it for generations to come. Creative musician, Matthew Soden, has been supporting WWF-Australia for decades and championing nature all his life. His passion for wildlife and wild places will live on through a gift in his Will, ensuring his support continues well into the future. Read on to discover Matthew’s story, his lifelong connection to nature and why leaving a gift in your Will can make a lasting difference. “A favorite place for me would be beside the River Thames in Oxford, because it takes me back to my childhood. That’s where my love for nature started.”

Growing up in post-war England, Matthew spent his days rambling through fields, learning the names of plants and animals. Those simple joys sparked a deep respect for the natural world. Then, at just nine years old, Matthew’s life changed dramatically when his family emigrated to Australia. The voyage itself was an adventure, taking weeks and stopping in many countries. “I remember seeing flying fish skimming along the water during the sea journey. I loved watching them, wondering how far they could travel before diving back in. I just found animals had so much to offer in terms of how beautiful they were and how clever they were.”

That sense of wonder stayed with Matthew. Landing in Australia opened a new world filled with lizards, snakes and endless bushland to explore.

“The first thing I did was roam the hills. I’d come home with black snakes and brown snakes. My father would say, ‘Matthew, please be careful.’” Matthew’s fascination with nature extends beyond animals. He admires plants for their resilience and beauty.

“I adore all plants. Greenery is so vital. We can't live without it. It's the start of everything. If my garden's green, it’s giving me oxygen and it's sucking in carbon—quite apart from the pleasure of seeing my plants strike and grow and attract insects."

From the River Thames to the Australian bush, Matthew’s life has been intertwined with nature, and he loves marvelling at every living thing. “Every creature is wonderful. How could you not love them? How could you not be fascinated?” So, why did Matthew include a gift to nature in his Will? Matthew describes his decision as both simple and deeply meaningful. It is about more than generosity—it’s about responsibility. “I’m staggered that, so few people include charities in their Wills. It’s so easy. My little bit may be a drop in the ocean, but the loving intent is the important thing. We are animals, and currently we are the apex predators. But we’ve done so much damage in such a short time. That’s one of my prime motivators: addressing that, one way or another." Matthew hopes for a world where compassion and elevated consciousness guide our choices. “If we were all 1% better, that would be huge."

For Matthew, supporting WWF is part of that good. “There’s no single more important issue than preserving what’s left of the environment. There's nothing more important because without that, we can't have all the great things in life.”

Your legacy can protect nature. Matthew’s story is a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference. By leaving a gift in your Will to WWF, you can help protect wildlife and wild places for future generations. You are here. Do good. Leave a gift in your Will to wildlife and the places they call home.