YOUNG eco-warriors were treated to a really wild day when the British Naturalists' Association (BNA) descended on their school.

Wildlife legend Prof David Bellamy and TV presenter Chris Packham were in attendance at the BNA's National Conference 2009, held at Forest School, College Place, Snaresbrook.

Guest of honour Mr Packham, who will take over from Bill Oddie on BBC's Springwatch after a break from the Children's TV series The Really Wilde Show, was bestowed with a 'Fellowship Honoris Causa.'

After setting up his own TV company, working on shows including Animal Planet and National Geographic, Mr Packham has returned to his first love of presenting.

Amphibians expert Prof Trevor Beebee also received an honour.

A Professor of Molecular Ecology at the University of Sussex, Mr Beebee was also the recipient of this year's Peter Scott Memorial Award for his work adding a new native species to our small group of six amphibians.

The packed programme at the school included a morning lecture session, entitled 'Indicator Species in the Countryside' - introduced by Mr Bellamy - with talks on bumble bees by Prof Ted Benton and bats by Phil Richardson.

Wildlife photographer David Hosking and the Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Epping Forest and Newham Conservation group were exhibitors at the event.

Forest School teacher George Paynter said: "It was a lovely day on which to extend a very warm welcome to our regular guests the BNA, and it was a tremendous opportunity for staff, students and visitors to rediscover the simple pleasures of the natural world."