A new wildlife mural has been unveiled around the visitor centre at Clayton Vale nature reserve in Manchester. The stunning piece of art has been created to celebrate Groundwork Greater Manchester’s £1.2m restoration of the Medlock Valley, and the support it has received from partners, local schools and members of the community.
The colourful artwork depicts local plants and wildlife, including at-risk species such as butterflies, Great Crested Newt, and Willow Tit, and is wrapped around the entire visitor centre building. It was created by Yorkshire based artist Sam Porter, from Mural Minded, commissioned by Groundwork Greater Manchester.
Working alongside local residents, schools and community groups, the Medlock Valley Restoration Project aims to halt the decline of important species like Bats, Water Voles, Willow Tits, Great Crested Newts and Waxcap fungi by improving vital habitats along the River Medlock.
The visitor centre at Clayton Vale is owned by Manchester City Council and is well used by the local community, and as a base for the Medlock Valley Restoration Project team and its volunteers. The visitor centre is also used for delivering green skills training, such as Groundwork’s 6-week woodland workshop, which gives local people the opportunity to learn green skills that they can put into practice in the surrounding woodland.
Lou Smith, project manager for the Medlock Valley Restoration Project at Groundwork Greater Manchester, said: “Our new wildlife mural is stunning, and it will be a legacy to celebrate the community’s involvement in this hugely important and environmentally significant project.
“The project has already had a huge impact on the local community and is building deep connections, particularly between children and young people and the natural world on their doorstep. Our team has been working with several local schools a part of the restoration work. Their pupils often live within walking distance of the Medlock Valley, so these activities are helping them to engage and create a deeper appreciation and connection with nature.”
