Len Webb was a champion of protecting Australia's rainforests long before conservation gained government support and it became part of Australian public discourse. He is considered one of the single most important people in changing government and public perceptions towards the protection of the environment in this country. Much of why and how we protect our important natural places today has been influenced by the pioneering work of Len Webb. 

After many years of invaluable field work with the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) where he documented his studies of Australian rainforests, Griffith University conferred the title of Doctor of the University on him in 1991. This began a long association for Len Webb with the organisation as a Honorary Professor in Environmental studies.