A student at the University of Chester has won the Mammal Champions award, which is given in recognition of people who devote their energy and time to helping British mammals enjoy a better future.
Lyndon Howson, 27, is originally from Grange-over-Sands and currently in the final year of his Zoology degree. The award was given in recognition of the university’s student-led Hedgehog Friendly Campus Project and the leadership and dedication provided by Lyndon, when he volunteered to be the project coordinator for the project.
With support from a team of volunteers, which grew to an impressive 170 people over 18 months, and the university’s School of Natural Sciences, Lyndon coordinated various initiatives to help hedgehogs thrive, such as installing tunnels for them, managing the habitat, and planting meadows. Thanks to the team’s collective efforts, the hedgehog population on the campus has grown from zero to eight, with the last year seeing the birth of three hoglets.
Lyndon said about the award:
“Being recognised by the Mammal Society, an organisation I've looked to for inspiration as I embark on my career in mammal conservation, is truly inspiring. This award will serve as a beacon of inspiration, as I continue with my dedication to mammal conservation efforts.”
Chester is a popular place to study, not just for the quality of its university, which rose an impressive 21 places in the Guardian University Guide 2024, but also for the vibrancy of the city itself, with there being a range of quality accommodation near Chester university available on the market.
Written by Kate
