An award-winning conservationist and author who grew up in Cumbria has been recognised internationally for his work using education and storytelling to inspire people to protect wildlife.
Lyndon Howson, 28, who grew up in Grange-over-Sands, has been named a finalist in the EE 30 Under 30 programme, run by the North American Association for Environmental Education.
The initiative highlights 30 young leaders from around the world who are making a significant impact through environmental education and community action.
Lyndon said: “Environmental education starts close to home. If people feel connected to nature where they live, they’re far more likely to want to protect it.”
He added that growing up in Cumbria played a key role in shaping his interest in wildlife.
He said: “Being surrounded by countryside and wildlife made me curious from a young age.
“Those early experiences really stayed with me and shaped the direction I wanted to take.”
After studying zoology, he went on to work across conservation and public engagement roles.
He now works as a wildlife and wellbeing officer at Chester Zoo.
One of his most notable projects involved leading a hedgehog conservation initiative at the University of Chester, which expanded from a small group into a network of more than 170 volunteers.
The project focused on habitat creation, public awareness, and practical conservation action for one of the UK’s most threatened mammals.
He has also delivered free nature storytelling workshops in schools and community settings.
He added: “It’s encouraging to see work that starts in schools and communities being recognised internationally. It shows that small, local efforts can contribute to something much bigger.”
