An environmental campaigner and former journalist described as a “true force of nature” has died.

Griselda Mussett, who dedicated herself to the planting and protection of trees as well as many other good causes in Faversham, died aged 75 following a three-year battle with cancer.

The mum-of-two’s many achievements include establishing the Friends of Faversham Creek, which later turned into a trust, and the Faversham Trees Group, bodies focussed on highlighting the town’s heritage and natural landscape.

Following her death, an outpouring of tributes have been paid, and her husband of 42 years, Andrew, says the family has been hugely comforted by the sympathy and support.

“It is a comfort to know that her passion for so many things, especially making Faversham a better place, is so widely appreciated,” he said.

The couple met while working as BBC radio producers in the late 1970s.

Griselda worked on a number of programmes including Women’s Hour and Tony Hart’s popular children’s art show Hartbeat.

She later trained as a journalist and worked for Anglia Television.

Following the birth of their first child, David, in 1983, Griselda “pretty much became a full-time mum”, Andrew says, but adds she “continued to do some corporate freelance work, including media training, as well as her art”.

The couple moved to Faversham in 1987 following the birth of their second child, Lucie, and set about restoring their period home in Abbey Street.

Griselda first suffered with breast cancer 12 years ago, which she appeared to have beaten. But three years ago, it was found to have travelled to her liver.

Just last year, Griselda’s environmental efforts were recognised with the planting of a special tree in her honour on the recreation ground which she attended despite being unwell.

Town councillor Hannah Perkin remembers Griselda as a special woman who will be sadly missed.

Cllr Perkin said: “She was one of the most fiercely optimistic people I have ever met.”

“Dedicated to her town and it's people and environment, she started and oversaw so many brilliant initiatives here.

“Whether organising the first ‘tree week’, uncovering the hidden stories of Faversham women forgotten by history, organising auctions to raise money for aid in Palestine or bravely documenting her journey with cancer through her art, she was always doing something good.”

Writing on Griselda’s Facebook page, Lesley Seager of the Cooksditch Stream Restoration Group, penned “This is heartbreaking news, such an amazing lady who did Faversham proud in trying to protect it and the nature surrounding it.”

The date of Griselda’s funeral has yet to be fixed but will take place at the Faversham Crematorium. Andrew also hopes some sort of celebration of her life will held at a later date.