World Earth Day: Kingston University London’s biodiversity community
- Geography and environment
- Alumni
We caught up with Sivi Sivanesan, Biodiversity and Landscape Manager at Kingston University, to learn about biodiversity projects happening on our campuses and hear from student and alumni volunteers who are getting involved!
Rhodo Bash - Invasive Species Management
Rhodo bashes are events where volunteers cut down and dig out invasive rhododendrons from our woodland areas. The reason rhododendrons are classed as invasive legally is because they have been proven to negatively impact our woodland habitats. The plants are so successful at growing and shading out all other species that they stop new trees and other plants from growing under them. The work we’ve been doing in the woodland at Kingston Hill since 2010 has been reversing this and bringing areas of our woodland back to life.
"I enjoy being part of the Biodiversity Action Group because it gives me the chance to make a real difference to the environment. Working together with like-minded people, supporting each other in the different tasks, and sharing in our joint achievements really makes the experience fulfilling.”
River pollution monitoring
Kingston University has been part of the Riverfly Monitoring Initiative on the Hogsmill River since it started in 2014. The initiative is a network of organisations working together to protect river habitats for wildlife and to improve water quality. The Kingston University survey site at Middle Mill is a key survey location on the Hogsmill, as it is the only one situated below the sewage works. It helps form the baseline of the impacts of the pollution from the sewage works on the river and helps to monitor for pollution incidents for the river catchment.
"I have been volunteering for citizen science conservation projects since 2021, collecting field data for the Zoological Society for London (ZSL) in annual projects. I was introduced to the Biodiversity Action Group by one of my lecturers and now help out with Riverfly monitoring on the Hogsmill River at Middle Mill. I find biodiversity and conservation work incredibly rewarding, and along with the data collection aspect of the work it also complements my studies!"
RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch
Each year, the University takes part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch initiative that aims to monitor the population trends of garden birds across the UK. This helps understand the impact of habitat loss and climate change on bird populations and inform public policies. In 2026, our volunteers undertook 22 surveys on 18 survey sites at the University, counting 541 birds – with crows and wood pigeons taking joint first place in this year’s counts!
“Volunteering made me feel like I belong and opened many doors. I loved contributing to biodiversity and conservation around Kingston. This unique experience broadened my knowledge of native and invasive species, had me using tools I'd never seen before, and led me to making new friends. Sivi often works with external organisations like South East Rivers Trust and ZSL, so there's lots of networking opportunities. I still come back to help out whenever I can.”
