Mural brightens up city garden

Following the results of a public survey in Westwood and Ravensthorpe, which asked for the better use of its existing green space, an acre of land on Hartwell Way has been transformed into a communal green for its local residents.

The project that designed and completed the mural wall was organised by the local charity WestRaven Big Local, who serve the Westwood and Ravensthorpe areas of Peterborough. Back in 2012, these areas of Peterborough were recognised as places in need of extra community investment. The communal garden is one of the many projects that WestRaven Big Local has funded, after the city charity was awarded a £1m grant from the Big Lottery Fund to help make improvements to the local area.

The mural was created through a partnership with Cross Keys Homes, Froglife, National Grid, Ravensthorpe Primary School, Carers Trust Peterborough, as well as local artist; Stuart Payn. Together, all the volunteers transformed the former 40 metre long, two metre high National Grid substation into a colourful piece of art.

It features spray painted cartoon mini-beasts with facts about them as well as facts about nature and the environment. The idea of the mural is to educate and inspire childen and adults to encourage wildlife in their own gardens. The communal green also offers opportunities for learning and play to take place.

Speaking about the project, Programme Manager for WestRaven Big Local, Kia Went, said: “It has been fantastic to see how the mural has transformed the garden – it’s a result of incredible team work from everyone involved in the project. WestRaven Big Local and the teams have worked on shaping the communal garden for everyone to enjoy, helping to create something that will make a positive and lasting impact on the local community. I would like to thank everyone involved for their dedication and hard work”.

The mural was partially funded by Froglife’s BBC Children in Need funded Green Pathways project, which is an outdoor therapy project for vulnerable and disadvantaged children in Peterborough, Fenland and Northamptonshire. This enabled the young carers to take part in a fun and creative activity, and make friendships with other young carers whilst doing so.

Danielle Cousins, from the Carers Trust, said: “Ten young carers helped to design and create the mural along with Stuart Payn over six sessions. The project enabled the young people to have a break from their caring roles and learn new skills, while being a part of something that will be around to inspire people for a long time”.

The newly created garden, located at Hartwell Way, is now open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from 10am.