Wildlife mural unveiled to celebrate community’s role in Medlock Valley restoration

A vibrant new wildlife mural has been unveiled at Clayton Vale Nature Reserve, celebrating the community’s vital involvement in the £1.2 million restoration of the Medlock Valley.

The artwork, which wraps around the entire visitor centre building, was commissioned by Groundwork Greater Manchester and created by Yorkshire-based artist Sam Porter of Mural Minded. The mural features a colourful tapestry of local flora and fauna, including at-risk species such as butterflies, the Great Crested Newt, and the Willow Tit.

The mural marks a major milestone in the 18-month Medlock Valley Restoration Project, which aims to restore vital habitats along the River Medlock and reverse the decline of species such as bats, water voles, waxcap fungi and more.

Speaking about the mural, 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 mural is more than just art – it's a symbol of the deepening connection between local people and their natural surroundings. The restoration project has seen the active participation of schools, volunteers, and residents from Tameside, Manchester and Oldham.

"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," added Smith.

Young people have been at the heart of the project. In June, over 200 Year 7 geography students from Laurus Ryecroft Secondary School took part in a full day of field-based learning in the Medlock Valley, exploring river history, flooding, mapping and water quality testing.

Primary schools across the region have also been engaged. Pupils from Propps Hall Primary visited the river for a guided exploration and water testing session. One pupil commented that she’d never been to the Medlock Valley before, and now visits regularly with her family.

In spring, children from Rushcroft Primary, Hey with Zion CofE, Propps Hall, and a local nursery took part in a poster competition themed 'Your Favourite Thing in Nature'. Over 130 entries showcased scenes of spring animals, blue tits, bees, butterflies, and wildflower meadows – revealing the strong emotional connection young people have with the local environment.

At Canon Burrows Primary School in Ashton, the project helped transform an overgrown and inaccessible brookside area into a usable outdoor classroom. Volunteers, including Groundwork’s urban rangers, worked with the school to clear the space, allowing it to become a regular venue for forest school sessions.

The Clayton Vale visitor centre – owned by Manchester City Council – has become a hub for green skills training, with programmes such as Groundwork’s six-week woodland workshop. These courses aim to equip local people with practical environmental knowledge that can be applied within the Medlock Valley and beyond.

Two trainee urban rangers have also been employed as part of the project, gaining valuable skills in conservation and habitat management.

"Some of these valuable skills are also being passed on to the community through a wide range of activities," said Smith, "so that they feel empowered to take ownership of this valuable natural asset, and the wildlife within it, to secure its future longevity and resilience."

The Medlock Valley Restoration Project is Groundwork Greater Manchester’s largest to date, running from May 2024 to December 2025. It is funded by the Government's Species Survival Fund, developed by Defra and delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.

Groundwork Greater Manchester leads the project with support from partners including The Conservation Volunteers, City of Trees, Mersey Rivers Trust, Canal and Rivers Trust, and the councils of Manchester, Oldham and Tameside.

To find out more or get involved, visit Groundwork Greater Manchester, email greatermanchester@groundwork.org.uk, or call 0161 220 1000.

Wildlife mural closeup