From the lab to the river: examining water vole genetics with Citizen Zoo

Thanks to an exciting volunteering opportunity with Citizen Zoo as part of my biological sciences course, I had the chance to contribute to real conservation research while developing practical scientific skills beyond the classroom.

As a Biological Sciences student at Kingston University, one of the most rewarding aspects of my degree is applying what we learn in lectures to real-world conservation projects. My professor introduced us to an exciting volunteering opportunity with Citizen Zoo, where we worked on a project examining genetic samples of water voles and monitoring the population along the Hogsmill River.

Why do conservation projects like this matter?

Water voles are one of the UK's fastest-declining native mammals, facing threats from habitat loss, pollution and invasive species. By studying their DNA, researchers can better understand population size, genetic diversity, and how to protect these remarkable animals in the future.

What kind of work did you do as part of this conservation project?

As part of the project, we collected environmental water samples from the river, which were later analysed for environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect the presence of water voles. This demonstrated how genetic techniques can be used as a non-invasive method to monitor wildlife and support conservation efforts.

How did the conservation work relate back to your biological sciences coursework?

The experience closely linked to my coursework in genetics and molecular biology, where I have studied DNA analysis, laboratory techniques and their applications. Seeing these concepts used in a real conservation project helped bridge the gap between theory and practice, showing how biological sciences can address environmental challenges.

Working alongside Citizen Zoo also highlighted the importance of collaboration between universities, charities and local communities in protecting biodiversity.  

As someone hoping to pursue a career in molecular biology, this experience reinforced why I chose Biological Sciences. It strengthened my appreciation for genetic research and reinforced how the skills I am developing at Kingston University can contribute to meaningful scientific and conservation work.

Discover more about the field trips, modules and more that make up biological sciences at Kingston University.