Award winning University of Chester graduate lands dream conservation role
Studying at the University of Chester has led to an internationally award-winning passionate wildlife ambassador gaining his dream job in conservation.
Lyndon Howson, who gained a first in BSc Zoology and progressed to a MRes in Hedgehog Conservation, is now working at Chester Zoo as a Wildlife and Wellbeing Officer.
Lyndon seized every opportunity at University to get involved with volunteering, giving him invaluable experience for his future career.
A passionate advocate for wildlife conservation, Lyndon has already made a name for himself in the conservation world, winning prestigious accolades such as the People of Nature Award, Conservationist of the Year – Fauna, and the Mammal Champion Award from the Mammal Society for his pioneering work in hedgehog conservation.
He led a wide range of conservation initiatives, showcasing his ability to unite volunteers, local councils and community groups through creative partnerships. A standout example of his impact is the student-led Hedgehog Friendly Campus Project at the University, which played a central role in his conservation journey.
Over just 18 months, Lyndon and his fellow co-coordinator grew the project from a modest team of seven volunteers into a vibrant network of more than 170 participants. The Hedgehog Friendly Campus initiative is a nationally recognised accreditation scheme, supported by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) and facilitated by Students Organising for Sustainability UK (SOS-UK).
Lyndon’s dedication to advocacy reached beyond hedgehog conservation. As a member of Chester Zoo’s Youth Board, he has actively promoted youth involvement in environmental efforts, using his position to inspire and uplift emerging conservation leaders. His work reflects a deep commitment to building an inclusive, community-focused future for conservation.
Lyndon, 28, who is originally from Grange-over-Sands, said: “I studied Zoology for my undergraduate degree, which gave me a strong grounding in ecology, conservation and animal behaviour, with plenty of fieldwork opportunities. I’ve since continued with an MRes at Chester, focusing on the role of schools in hedgehog conservation. This is something very close to my heart and a passion I discovered during my undergraduate studies.
“Volunteering had a huge impact, it's probably what has kickstarted my career the most. My work with the Hedgehog Friendly Campus project gave me the chance to work with a brilliant team of volunteers, grow the project and build my leadership skills. It also gave me the opportunity to design and deliver my own public engagement sessions on hedgehogs, and I now regularly give talks to schools, community groups and Brownies. These experiences gave me confidence and showed me the importance of engaging people directly in conservation.”
His commitment to wildlife even inspired him to write his first novel, The Blight’s End, a 160-page adventure novel that follows Hector, a courageous young hedgehog, as he embarks on a quest to save his woodland home from an encroaching, mysterious force known as ‘The Blight’. Through themes of friendship, teamwork, and environmental protection, the book highlights the power of small actions in making a big difference, a message that resonates strongly in today’s climate-conscious world.
Lyndon credits his time at Chester for being a major contribution to his achievements.
He added: “I remember from the very first Open Day how inviting the campus felt and how much passion the lecturers had for their subjects. That made a real impression on me and confirmed that Chester was where I wanted to study.
“My time at Chester has prepared me brilliantly for a career in conservation. The combination of academic study, volunteering and public engagement gave me the ideal foundation. In my new role as Wildlife and Wellbeing Officer at Chester Zoo, I’m working with the Networks for Nature team to support communities in making a real difference for conservation and helping people connect more closely with nature. The role involves a mix of community engagement and hands-on activities. It feels like a natural next step from the projects I was involved in at the University.
“The University of Chester has been central to my journey. From the support of my lecturers to the opportunities I’ve had to lead projects and pursue my passions, Chester has given me the confidence, skills and experiences to achieve more than I thought possible.
“I hope to continue combining conservation with community engagement, helping people connect with nature in ways that benefit both wildlife and wellbeing. Longer term, I’d like to lead larger projects that bring together research, conservation delivery and public engagement.”
Dr Krista McLennan, Head of the School of Natural Sciences, said: “We are thrilled to see Lyndon do so well. He demonstrates how hard work and getting involved in extra-curricular activities can pave the way for success. We are excited to see what he does next, and very proud of his achievements.”
Caption: Lyndon Howson.