Masterpiece with a message

A striking new wildlife mural overlooking Roughfields has been officially unveiled, celebrating the natural beauty of one of Hadfield and Padfield’s most treasured green spaces and highlighting the community’s fight to protect it. 

Created by acclaimed mural artist Richard Preston of Heart Murals, the colourful artwork transforms the gable wall of a house on Padfield Main Road, featuring a barn owl as part of a vibrant tribute to local wildlife. 

The community gathered on Sunday 11th October, to celebrate the unveiling, with members of the Save Roughfields Committee providing drinks and cakes for visitors. Children, dogs and residents of all ages came together to admire the finished artwork. 

Speaking at the event, Save Roughfields chair Halina Billingham, who recently won Environmental Impact Champion of the Year at the Glossopdale Community Champions Awards, thanked everyone who had helped bring the project to life. 

“Thank you all for coming to this event. It was a year ago that we started the fundraiser to create this mural, and it has been a long road” she said. 

“We faced quite a lot of challenges with the weather, as it was raining a lot and then it got very hot, which was also an issue. We also discovered that the wall needed quite a bit of work before the painting could begin. The weeks went by, and then we had to source equipment that we needed, such as a spider lift. 

“However, I'm so delighted that we have made it, and just before the weather turns again. Today we want to celebrate our community and all of the wonderful work that has been going on behind the scenes, especially by the fantastic Richard Preston of Heart Murals, who has created this beautiful mural for us. I am blown away by his creativity.” 

(Photo: Save Roughfields Founder and Chair Halina Billingham).

Halina also thanked Sean, the property owner, for giving permission for the mural, adding that he was absolutely delighted with the finished artwork. 

She paid tribute to the neighbours who helped clear the area and kept Richard supplied with cups of tea while he worked, and also to Ian, Steve and Gary who freely contributed, with Gary repairing and painting the wall in preparation for the mural. 

While the artwork celebrates the area's natural beauty, Halina stressed that the campaign to protect Roughfields remains as important as ever. 

“I did recently discover that High Peak Borough Council met with Homes England earlier in the year to talk about Roughfields. I don't yet know what the outcome of that is, but we have put in a request to find out” she said. 

“This is why it is so important that we keep this fight up and show them that this area is needed by the community. We do have some ideas that we will be sharing in the near future that we are going to propose to the council.” 

Halina said the project had also demonstrated the positive impact of people working together, particularly at a time when many feel surrounded by negativity. 

“With things as they are in the world at the moment, and it feeling that everyone is fighting against each other, the wonderful thing about this campaign is that everyone is pulling together” she said. 

“People can feel lost and have no hope, but this community mural is showing that here people have worked alongside one another. It highlights that there is a lot of good that we can focus on instead of all of the negativity around us.” 

Councillor Ollie Cross, who attended the unveiling and has been a strong supporter of the campaign, praised the artwork and the community effort behind it. 

“The mural is absolutely fantastic and a great addition to the community. We also have the picnic tables that were paid for by the local community a couple of years ago, and both are a testament to people power and how much Roughfields is valued and needed” he said. “Protecting it is an ongoing battle, but we will continue!” 

The new mural is the latest example of Richard's work using art to brighten public spaces and bring communities together. His nature-inspired creations can be found across Greater Manchester and beyond. 

His involvement with the Save Roughfields campaign began after he moved to Glossop and learned about the group's efforts to protect the green space. He quickly connected with founder Halina, and the pair recognised a shared vision of celebrating nature, strengthening community identity and inspiring children to care for their surroundings. 

Richard had already made his mark nearby by transforming the tunnel close to the children's play area. Previously covered in crude graffiti and frequently painted over, the tunnel had become an eyesore. He offered to revamp it free of charge as a gift to the community, with funding from High Peak Borough Council covering the cost of materials. 

The resulting artwork features sunflowers, a robin and a playful badger, with bold colours and friendly designs aimed particularly at children. 

Together, the tunnel and the new mural have brought colour and character to the area, while drawing attention to the green space at the heart of the campaign. 

Halina said: “This artwork will put Roughfields firmly on the map. It represents our determination to protect this land, our wildlife and our community.” 

For Save Roughfields, the mural is more than a piece of public art. It is a visible reminder of the value residents place on the area and their determination to see it preserved for future generations.