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Following the results of a public survey in Westwood and Ravensthorpe asking for the better use of existing green space, an acre of land on Hartwell Way has been transformed into a communal green space for the community to enjoy.  

The mural wall has been created thanks to WestRaven Big Local and local artist Stuart Payn with support from Cross Keys Homes, Froglife, National Grid Gas Distribution Ltd, and Ravensthorpe Primary School, alongside Carers Trust Peterborough Young Carers.

Together, the volunteers transformed the former 40 metre long, 2 metre high National Grid substation into a colourful mural wall, featuring spray painted cartoon mini-beasts, with facts about nature and the environment.

The mural is designed to educate and inspire people to encourage wildlife in their own gardens, as well as offer opportunities for learning and play to take place.

Back in 2012, Westwood and Ravensthorpe were recognised as places in need of extra community investment. The communal garden is one of many projects that WestRaven Big Local has funded, after the charity was awarded a £1m grant from the Big Lottery Fund to help make improvements to the local area.

Kia Went, Programme Manager for the Big Local project, 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”.

This mural has also been 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.

Danielle Cousins from the Carers Trust added: “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 garden is open to the community every Saturday and Sunday from 10am.