New outdoor mural celebrates wildlife in South View

A colourful new mural that celebrates habitats and wildlife in South View has been brought to life as part of a new project.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has been working with Basingstoke artists and the local community on the project to transform a block of garages off Lyford Road with a colourful new mural.

Artists Rachel Davis, Fátima Pantoja and Jacky Purtill have worked with students from The Vyne Community School and South View Junior School, South View Residents’ Association and local residents to paint the final design which was created following a series of workshops held earlier this year.

The new mural celebrates the area’s landscape, biodiversity and wildlife.

Alongside the new mural, a new natural sculpture, which will provide a new habitat for insects and other wildlife, is also being commissioned for the open space between Lyford Road and Basingstoke train station, and additional seating is set to be installed later this year, funded by developers’ contributions.

It follows a project to improve the biodiversity of the site by widening the footpath and improving the sense of space, installing seating and gates, and increasing the diversity of wildlife habitats across the site. This included clearing the site and planting fruiting and flowering native trees, shrubs, hedges wildflowers and spring bulbs to increase the habitats for insects, birds and other species.

Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture Cllr Kerry Morrow: “It is great that we have been able to work closely with local artists and the community through this fantastic project which has really brought these garages in the heart of South View to life.

“I want to thank Rachel, Fátima and Jacky and everyone who helped to shape the final design and paint this beautiful new piece of art which really showcases the beautiful open space and wildlife that we are so lucky to have.”

Artist Rachel Davis said: “I would like to thank children from local schools, residents and other members of the South View community who have worked closely with us from day one of this fantastic project. It truly has been a project for everyone.

“It has been wonderful to bring the design they helped to shape to life to celebrate the wonderful green spaces and the wildlife in this beautiful location.

“Art doesn’t have to be indoors, it is everywhere around us. We have had so many people stopping to speak with us and say how wonderful it is so I would encourage anyone who has curiosity about the arts to get involved in projects like this across the borough.”

Margaret Dodwell, Chief Operating Officer at VIVID, commented: “We worked with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to let local artists paint our garages. For VIVID, it’s all about adding a splash of creativity to our community and making our homes feel more vibrant and connected. The finished artwork looks amazing, and we hope it's enjoyed by our customers and other residents.”