Skip to content

Nature-based murals 'inject life' on city estates

Oli Constable/BBC A wall showing mushroomsOli Constable/BBC
The latest project features new murals in Jordanthorpe, above, and Gleadless

New spray paint murals have popped up in parts of Sheffield as part of a project to brighten up neglected places.

Artist Sarah Yates, known as Faunagraphic, said she had been tasked by Sheffield City Council to "inject a bit of life and culture" into parts of the city.

Two nature-themed murals featuring birds and wildlife, in Gleadless and Jordanthorpe, have been created as part of a series.

"I really enjoy making spaces look different and transforming large areas," said ms Yates. "It is very fulfilling and enjoyable."

Oli Constable/BBC An orange fox paintingOli Constable/BBC
Faunagraphic's artwork regularly features animals and nature

Ms Yates' art focuses on nature - she describes herself as "a very big plant fan" - and for years her sketch books have been "full of flower logos and nature-related characters".

The council commissioned the new work near Gaunt Shopping Centre and a wall off Dyche Lane in the south-east of the city.

Oli Constable/BBC A mural showing a red butterflyOli Constable/BBC
In Gleadless, the mural features butterflies and a tower with a kestrel

"They’re doing a series of different mural projects in that area to help inject a bit of life and culture, and care and love into the place," she said.

"They’re trying to attract new businesses there to open up, just to basically make the place feel a bit more welcoming."

In Gleadless, a kestrel has been painted looking out over the valley.

"I did propose a few different options and they said they liked the kestrel more because there are kestrels seen quite a lot in that area," she added.

Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].