Speakers

Dr Sean McCormack is a vet, wildlife conservationist and occasional TV and radio presenter who has always had a passion for the natural world. He studied an undergraduate degree in Animal Science followed by Veterinary Medicine at University College Dublin. After graduation Sean completed elective modules and work placements in zoo and wildlife medicine, and worked in clinical practice with domestic and exotic pets as well as zoo clients after graduating. After six years in clinical practice Sean experienced a period of burnout and decided to change career focus, moving into an industry role as Head Vet for then startup nutrition brand tails.com. Knowing the value of nature for emotional wellbeing and mental health, he looked for conservation organisations in his local area to find there were very few. So he set up Ealing Wildlife Group, a community conservation group working in partnership with the local Council on various species focused projects including Barn Owls, Peregrine Falcons, Great Crested Newts, Bats, Swifts, Hedgehogs and more recently reintroducing both Britain's smallest and largest native rodents to Ealing, the Harvest Mouse and the Eurasian Beaver. These projects harness the local community and are all volunteer led. Sean uses his platform in broadcast and social media to highlight the power of nature therapy, the importance of getting involved with climate and biodiversity action and the value of green and blue spaces, particularly in the urban environment where the majority of our population and diverse communities live.