Ayesha Ballen and Leigh Clark, two students from Arts University Bournemouth recently created a new mural situated in the Turbary Common nature reserve.
Their artwork is said to capture and bring to life some of the heath’s ‘most iconic’ species, including basking sand lizards and silver-studded blues.
The students volunteered their time to design and paint the mural, drawing inspiration from visits to heathlands and conversations in the area with heathland ranger Matt Langsford.
Their goal was to capture the ‘beauty and diversity’ of this rare habitat while raising awareness of the importance of protecting it.
Visitors are encouraged to stop by, take a closer look, and learn more about the rare species that call the heath home.
They said that this collaborative project not only showcases the beauty and diversity of heathland habitats, it’s also a wonderful example of how art can help connect people with nature, and how volunteering can bring fresh energy and ideas to conservation work.