An award-winning student, passionate conservationist and rising voice in native species conservation, has added a significant international accolade to his list of achievements.
Lyndon Howson, a 27-year-old student from Grange-over-Sands, has been named Conservationist of the Year – Fauna at the 2024 People of Nature Awards, organised by WeNaturalists. This accolade recognises his dedication to native species conservation, focusing on integrating youth governance to promote environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.
The People of Nature Award
The People of Nature Award is a global recognition celebrating individuals whose outstanding commitment and efforts contribute to the protection and preservation of the environment and biodiversity on earth. Lyndon, a former recipient of the Mammal Society’s Mammal Champion Award, was nominated for his role in native species conservation and ecology, focusing on integrating youth governance to promote environmental stewardship and sustainable practices and a love for nature.
Hedgehog friendly measures on campus
Described as a “passionate advocate for nature recovery,” Lyndon has spearheaded numerous conservation initiatives, demonstrating leadership through innovative collaborations with volunteers, local councils, and community groups. His work on the student-led Hedgehog Friendly Campus Project at the University of Chester has been pivotal in his conservation efforts.
In just 18 months, Lyndon and his fellow co-ordinator expanded the initiative from a small volunteer base of seven to a thriving community of over 170. The Hedgehog Friendly Campus project is a national accreditation programme funded in part by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) and delivered by Students Organising for Sustainability UK (SOS-UK).
He volunteers at Chester Zoo while studying
Lyndon’s passion for advocacy extends beyond the hedgehog project. Through his position on Chester Zoo’s Youth Board, he has championed the role of young people in conservation, using his platform to empower the next generation of environmental leaders. His contributions reflect a broader commitment to shaping the future of conservation through inclusive, community-driven approaches.
Lyndon’s academic pursuits mirror his dedication to conservation. Having already earned a First-Class Honours degree in Zoology from the University of Chester, he is set to continue his studies with a Master’s of Research (MRes), investigating the role schools can play in advancing hedgehog conservation efforts across the UK. This research, focusing on integrating schools into national conservation networks, aims to create lasting, educational partnerships that foster an ongoing commitment to protecting hedgehogs and other native species.
Lyndon said:
“I’m truly honoured and feel incredibly fortunate to receive this award. It’s a humbling experience to be recognised in this way, and I’m deeply proud of the work I’ve been able to accomplish. This award is a reminder of how meaningful and important this journey in conservation has been for me so far.”
Dr Krista McLennan, Head of the School of Natural Sciences at the University of Chester, said:
“Congratulations to Lyndon on achieving this amazing award. We’re constantly impressed with his dedication to conservation and look forward to seeing what he does next.”
What are the problems for our hedgehogs?
Hedgehogs in the UK are declining in numbers rapidly, so badly that they are now classed as a vulnerable species. In the past twenty years their numbers have fallen by 30-50% (some estimates are higher even).
There are many reasons for this, here are a few:.
- Loss of habitat and roaming options: gardens are being paved over, green areas disappear, gardens are sealed off so hedgehogs can’t get in, hedgerows are disappearing, compost heaps are less common.
- Busy roads and hedgehogs getting killed on the roads, they are nocturnal so can be difficult to spot in time for drivers
- Loss of food- they eat mainly insects (mainly beetles and caterpillars), worms and such. We use a lot of insecticides to keep our crops and gardens free from what we consider ‘pests’, and thus kill the hedgehogs menu.
Hedgehogs can help protect our crops and gardens, but they need our help!
