Kingston Council has organised a series of events to celebrate the United Nation's International Year of Biodiversity.

Biodiversity is the variety of life on earth and essential for sustaining the natural ecosystems that provide us with food, fuel, health, wealth, and other vital services.

As part of the celebrations, the council has organised a series of talks, displays, activities, and competitions which will take place at Kingston library throughout October, and are suitable for all ages.

Leader of the council, Councillor Derek Osbourne, said: "Kingston Council is joining forces with people all over the world to celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity and to raise awareness of the need to protect our planet's irreplaceable natural wealth.

"We all need to do more to help stop the decline of the world's biodiversity, and by organising these events we hope to reinforce the message that now is the time to act."

A family nature show takes place on October 23, with workshops and entertainment as well the chance to dissect owl pellets.

Gail Bromley, education development manager at Kew Gardens, gives a talk on October 28.

A brochure with further details about the events is available in all Kingston libraries, or at kingstonbiodiversity.wordpress.com.