It’s hard to believe that nearly ten years have passed since a small group of us first got together, united by a shared passion for protecting wildlife in our beloved corner of London. What began as a community of like-minded individuals with binoculars, trail cameras and muddy boots has since grown into a thriving, impactful organisation that I’m incredibly proud to have led as Chair since the very beginning. Today, I want to share some important personal news with you all.
In April 2026, after a decade in the role, I’ll be stepping down as Chair of Ealing Wildlife Group.
This isn’t goodbye—not by a long stretch. I’ll be staying on as our Rewilding and Conservation Officer, continuing to lead on the big projects that are closest to my heart, from restoring habitats and championing species reintroductions, to getting more people involved in nature on their doorstep. But it’s time to pass the baton on the leadership side.
This has been a difficult decision, but ultimately a necessary one. Balancing the demands of work, conservation, and life isn’t easy (as many of you reading this will know all too well). I have to admit I have sacrificed some aspects of life to focus on EWG which is not a paying job, many are surprised to learn, and at times have been exasperated by local politics in particular. I’ve loved every minute of being Chair, but it’s a big responsibility—and it’s time to share that responsibility with someone new who can bring fresh energy, ideas and direction to keep EWG moving forward. I may not stay in Ealing forever, but want EWG to continue long into the future.
I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together over the past 9 years. Some highlights that stand out for me include:
- Rewilding efforts that have seen Harvest Mice and Beavers reintroduced in Ealing’s green spaces
- Our successful Peregrine Falcon project, which has seen Ealing Hospital become a haven for these incredible apex predators. With a global fan club tuning in to our webcam on Freddie and Dusty, the only gay icon falcons I know of in Britain
- The collaborations with other community groups, such as Perivale Wood and at Horsenden where together with the Friends and park rangers we’ve enhanced habitat for owls, Great Crested Newts and many other species
- Hosting hundreds of events, walks, talks and conservation days that have (hopefully) inspired thousands of local people to connect with nature
- Becoming a powerful voice for wildlife at a local government level, helping to shape more environmentally responsible planning and policy, through the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) in particular
- Building a passionate, diverse, truly dedicated and skilled volunteer community without whom none of this would be possible
- And how could we forget meeting the King himself, as we were awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS)? Even better in my opinion, we’ve had wildlife royalty come visit recently with Sir David Attenborough filming several of our conservation projects (you heard it here first, more to come soon)
But what I’m most proud of is the spirit of EWG itself. This group has never just been about wildlife—it’s been about people and wildlife. It’s about reclaiming a sense of belonging in the natural world, right here in West London. It’s about proving that you don’t have to travel to far-flung wildernesses to be moved, changed and inspired by nature.
As I prepare to step into a new role within the group, I want to extend an open invitation to anyone who feels they might have the skills, passion and commitment to take on the Chair position. You don’t need to be a scientist or an ecologist (though you’re welcome if you are!) You certainly don’t need to climb ladders to owl boxes, dangle over the edge of the hospital’s 10th floor rooftop or lead bat, beaver or bird walks. What matters most is your ability to lead, to organise, to inspire, and to continue the collaborative, community-driven ethos that makes EWG so special.
If you’re interested in exploring the opportunity—or even just want to chat about what’s involved—please drop us a line at hello@ealingwildlifegroup.com. We’d love to hear from you.
As for me, I’m not going anywhere for now. I’m excited to keep doing the conservation work I love, while helping support and empower the next phase of EWG’s journey.
Thank you for being part of this adventure so far. Here’s to many more wild years ahead.
Yours in deep appreciation,
Dr Sean McCormack
Chair (until April 2026!)
