WILDLIFE lovers from across Ealing and Acton packed out The Grosvenor pub for the annual meeting of Ealing Wildlife Group.

Among those in attendance was TV presenter Konnie Huq, Cllr Aysha Raza and MP Rupa Huq.

Naturalist Sean McCormack founded the group in 2016 following the success of his popular ‘bat walks’.

Two years later, it was established as an official community group and has since gone from strength to strength.

The group’s bat walks have become a staple activity, with all data fed to the Bat Conservation Trust to put Ealing bats on the map. Previously, it was one of the most under-recorded boroughs in London for bats.

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EWG also organises conservation volunteering days, leads nature walks and works with other neighbouring conservation groups.

The results of its annual wildlife photography exhibition, funded by Ealing Council, are displayed in Walpole Park each autumn.

Mr McCormack said: “We have big plans for spreading our message to schools, scouts and communities who have traditionally been less engaged with the value of their green spaces.

“We also want to create our own official nature reserve to safeguard a derelict site in the borough from development. Watch this space!”

Rupa Huq said: “It’s great to hear about the brilliant work being done to protect and enhance flora and fauna in the middle of the suburban sprawl of Ealing.”

www.ealingwildlifegroup.com