Campus conservationists win our first ever mammal champions award
In celebration of National Mammal Week 2024, which explores Britain’s most underrepresented and forgotten mammals between 22nd-28th April, the first ever Mammal Champions Award has been launched, aiming to highlight those who are working to create a brighter future for mammals in less commonly-recognised ways. Lyndon Howson and Sivakhami Sivanesan were chosen as winners of the Mammal Champions Award by the Mammal Society and its members from a shortlist of 20 taken from public nominations, due to their work helping the mammals and biodiversity on their university campuses.
Lyndon Howson, a student at the University of Chester, has been recognised for spearheading the Hedgehog Friendly Campus Project on his campus. Over the past 18 months, Lyndon has transformed the initiative from a small team of 7 volunteers to a group of over 170 individuals, facilitating camera trapping surveys, hedgehog tunnels, habitat management, and meadow planting. As a result of his work, the campus’s hedgehog population has grown from zero to eight, with three hoglets born last year. “I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to have been selected as a joint recipient for this amazing award,” Lyndon said. “I look forward to equipping myself with additional resources for future mammal actions with my hedgehog project.”
Lyndon Howson, co-winner of the Mammal Champions Award
Sivakhami Sivanesan, co-winner of the Mammals Champion Award
Sivakhami Sivanesan, Biodiversity and Landscape Manager at Kingston University, has been recognised for leading the university’s strategy for biodiversity, resulting in it being named ‘one of the most wildlife-friendly universities in the UK’ and achieving a gold award from Hedgehog Friendly Campuses. Sivakshami has also ran conservation events and opportunities for students and local volunteers, including partnering with the Mammal Society to provide training in mammal tracks and signs identification. “This is amazing - I wasn’t expecting it given the amazing work of the other nominees,” Sivakshami said.
Cornwall Mammal Group (alongside Mammal Society patron Zeb Soanes), winner of the Group Mammal Champions Award
Susanna Ramsey, winner of the Volunteer Mammal Champions Award
Other winners of the awards include the Cornwall Mammal Group, which won the Group Mammal Champions Award, and Susanna Ramsey, who won the Volunteer Mammal Champions Award. Spearheaded by Dave Groves, Cornwall Mammal Group has built a comprehensive picture of local harvest mouse distribution through participating in the Mammal Society’s annual survey and increased public engagement with the mammals of Cornwall. “We’re very proud to have been awarded a Mammal Champion award,” said Dave. Mammal Society volunteer Susanna Ramsey helped define the owl pellet donation and dissection methodology now employed nationwide by the Mammal Society to monitor for the spread of the potentially invasive greater white-toothed shrew, and created an essential mammal bone photo ID guide to help improve data gathered from owl pellet dissection. “It is amazing to have been selected out of so many worthy nominees. Volunteers play such an important role in conservation charities, so it is great to have our contribution recognised,” she said.
“We identified that it was of particular importance to our members that the Mammal Champions Awards shine a spotlight on less commonly recognised forms of dedication to mammals, and achievements that fall outside the categories that our other annual awards already seek to reward,” said Matt Larsen-Daw, CEO of the Mammal Society.
For more information, please visit: Mammal Champions shortlist — Mammal Society (squarespace.com)
About the Mammal Society
Established in 1954, the Mammal Society is Britain’s leading charity devoted to the science-led conservation of mammals. They work to raise awareness of the issues mammals face, sharing scientific research so that populations can be protected and restored across the British Isles and Ireland. Ensuring a bright future for British mammals, the Mammal Society inspire conservation projects, empower stakeholders through training and resources, and raise public awareness through education and campaigns.
About National Mammal Week 2024
National Mammal Week is organised by the Mammal Society as a celebration of Britain’s mammals and an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges they face. One in four UK mammals are threatened with extinction, with many others in decline. The British Isles and Ireland are home to many species of mammal, from the tiny pygmy shrew to the giant fin whale. And yet, mammals are some of the most under-recorded species in Britain. From April 22nd to 28th, wildlife enthusiasts, conservationists, and nature lovers come together to honour these remarkable creatures and raise awareness about their conservation. Through a series of engaging events, educational activities, and community initiatives, National Mammal Week offers a unique opportunity to learn about the importance of mammalian biodiversity and the urgent need to protect it. Whether you're exploring local habitats, attending informative workshops, or participating in citizen science projects, there's something for everyone to enjoy during this inspiring week-long celebration. Join the movement and be a part of efforts to ensure a bright future for mammals everywhere!
To find out more visit: http://www.mammalsociety.org.uk/national-mammal-week