Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust’s award-winning Wild Skills Wild Spaces project has harnessed the creativity of local school pupils to create stunning wildlife murals at its Severn Farm Pond Nature Reserve in Welshpool, thanks to funding from Tesco Stronger Starts.

The initiative, in partnership with Groundwork, saw three creative graffiti workshops run at the nature reserve when around 50 young people aged 11-17 years from Welshpool and the surrounding area were involved, including Art & Photography A-Level students from Welshpool High School.

The sessions were led by local graffiti artist Val Kuhl – along with the Wild Skills Wild Spaces team – who instructed participants in using spray paint to design murals inspired by British wildlife.

These include animals which the Trust has worked particularly hard to protect over the years, such as once-endangered bird of prey, the Osprey, and the rare Pearl-bordered Fritillary butterfly, as well as popular wildlife including the Blue Tit, Brown Hare, Mallard Duck and fungi.

The mural, located at Severn Farm Pond Nature Reserve in Welshpool’s Severn Farm Industrial Estate, is designed to encourage youth engagement with nature, leaving a lasting mark on the community while enhancing the nature reserve for future visitors.

This graffiti mural project is part of the wider ecotherapy programme Wild Skills Wild Spaces, led by Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust, in partnership with Powys Teaching Health Board and Cardiff Metropolitan University. The programme connects participants with nature to enhance their mental and physical wellbeing through outdoor activities such as wildlife walks, bushcraft, and conservation work.

Tesco Stronger Starts funds community-based projects aimed at supporting young people. Wild Skills Wild Spaces’ wildlife mural project was nominated by the community and awarded the top grant of £1,500 as a result of public votes in-store.

Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust are running several exciting events throughout October and November. Visit the website for more information at www.montwt.co.uk/events.

Mark Harding, Wild Skills Wild Spaces Youth Engagement Officer, said: “Thanks to Tesco Stronger Starts, we’ve been able to offer this fantastic opportunity to approximately 50 local young people. Everyone did a fantastic job, and the results are something the community will be able to enjoy for years to come. If you haven’t seen the murals yet, come down to Severn Farm Pond in Welshpool and have a look!”

One Welshpool High School participant said: “The trip to Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust was fantastic, and being able to explore a new medium like spray paint was an invaluable experience. The murals have brightened up the area, and I’m proud to have contributed to this project.”

Graffiti artist Val added: “I really enjoyed running these sessions. It was amazing to see the young people get involved and learn new skills. The final outcomes exceeded my expectations, and it’s clear that the participants were determined to create something special.”

About Wild Skills Wild Spaces

Wild Skills Wild Spaces is a community-driven ecotherapy programme that promotes mental and physical wellbeing by reconnecting individuals with nature. The project empowers participants to make positive changes for the environment while gaining new skills and building confidence.

The Wild Skills Wild Spaces Project continues to offer free sessions for both adults (18+) and young people (10+), with funding secured until June 2025. For more information and how to get involved, email: joanna@montwt.co.uk

PICTURES: Severn Farm Pond Nature Reserve’s new graffiti wildlife mural was created by young nature enthusiasts from local schools. Photo credit: Hannah Zervas

Photo credit: WSWS team