A wildlife conservation group is hoping to inspire a new generation with a call for volunteers and an open day.

The Swanley Wildlife and Nature Group (Swan) manage an environment area in Swanley Park dedicated to improving habitats for wildlife.

They will be hosting an open event on Saturday, June 24, at Swanley Recreation Ground with family-friendly activities like wildflower identification and bug hunts.

Secretary of the group, Liz Davies of Hextable, said: “On your doorstep there is so much there that you don’t know about until you stop and look and find them.

“It’s just discovering all the time. There are lots of thing I’ve learned in 16 years that I never knew before.”

With about a dozen volunteers, the free group is looking to maintain and expand upon their current conservation work, especially among families.

Ms Davies said: “It is important to teach children about wildlife because we take everything for granted otherwise.

“We’re trying to educate them into something other than video games and football. If you don’t pass on the knowledge, then it’s lost.”

The wildlife area was allocated to the group by Swanley Town Council in 2001, and volunteers have since planted hedging to encourage nesting birds, wildflower meadows for butterflies and bees, and a stag beetle hotel.

They have also received grants over the years to complete other projects, including digging out overgrown wildflowers and planting six English fruit trees in the area.

Alongside their conservation goals, the group also prides itself on community work, such as helping churchyard clearance at St Mary’s Church, Swanley, a few years ago.

Ms Davies said: “We’re always looking to do community work but with just a few of us it takes us time to keep on top.”

Anyone can come along to Swan’s events, which usually take place for two hours on the last Saturday of each month.

Events are publicised on Swanley Town Council’s website and on www.freewebs.com/swanleyenvirogroup/