Surbiton's Claremont Gardens will be given new foliage in a bid to attract extra insect and bird life, according to the fledgling Surbiton Wildlife Group.

The group's inaugural meeting launch was held this week at Glenmore House, and saw some 50 people turn up to hear how easy it is to encourage wildlife in gardens or on balconies.

Its first project will be to spruce up Claremont Gardens, to attract insects and birds like goldcrests.

Co-founder Tom Hooker, a wildlife cameraman, said: "I realised there was a complete void of anything in Surbiton to prioritise the green spaces.

"This is a group about getting out and doing something and it's for everyone."

Ecologist Stephanie Clark said: "It's making nature more accessible and bringing it into people's lives again.

"More and more, nature doesn't feature in our lives."

The aim is to make the district's open spaces more appealing for both animals and people, she added.