Some of Stockport’s most precious birds and insects have been featured in a new mural commissioned by Groundwork Greater Manchester. The underside of the bridge on Great Underbank, outside Merseyway Shopping Centre, has been transformed into a ‘daytime to nighttime’ scene showcasing some of Stockport’s most unusual and rare species that can be found in the local area.
Artist and Species
The artwork has been created by one of Greater Manchester’s best-known street artists, Stockport’s very own Russ Meehan, also known as Qubek. At the daytime end, the first bird visible is the black and white head of a Willow tit. Stockport and the wider Greater Manchester area are among the last UK strongholds for this rapidly declining species, which favours the wet woodland habitats of Stockport’s river valleys. Also featured is a Purple Hairstreak butterfly, which can be found in the canopy of oak trees in Stockport’s mature woodlands, such as in Etherow and Marple.
As the scene transitions to dusk and nighttime as the bridge reaches the air raid shelters, visitors can spot a Common Pipistrelle bat, the species most frequently recorded in Stockport’s parks and gardens, a Tawny Owl, and a Lunar Hornet Moth, a striking species found in the borough’s woodlands.
Community and Regeneration
Groundwork has been working with local communities in Stockport for the past three years rewilding the town centre, planting more than 50,000 bulbs, enhancing green spaces, and creating spaces for people to sit, relax, and connect with nature. The mural marks the recent launch of Nature For All – the local nature recovery strategy for Greater Manchester. It is the latest addition to Stockport Town Centre, which is undergoing the UK’s largest town centre regeneration. Backed by a £2bn investment, the transformation is delivering thousands of new homes, jobs, and public spaces while celebrating the character and identity that make Stockport unique.
The mural was commissioned by Groundwork Greater Manchester in partnership with Stockport Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and has been funded by the UK Government.
Quotes
Lucy Stowell-Smith, strategic lead for urban nature at Groundwork Greater Manchester, said: “Art is a wonderful way to help people notice and appreciate the local wildlife that is living alongside them, and this stunning mural celebrates all that has been achieved in recent years to green the town centre and encourage nature back. Over the last few years, our Wild About Stockport project has had a huge impact with more planting and biodiversity improvements across the town centre, and this artwork will continue to inspire local people to explore, protect, and enjoy the beautiful green spaces we now have in Stockport. The location of this new overhead mural is perfect as it identifies the creatures and insects that can be seen flying above us. It also sits right next to Caitilin Marie Atherton’s excellent bottle top mural, so it feels like the creatures have flown up from one mural to another.”
Councillor Micheala Meikle, cabinet member for economy, regeneration and skills at Stockport Council, added: “Most people walking through the town centre won't realise that some of the UK's rarest wildlife can be found right here in Stockport. This brilliant new mural by Russ changes that; it rewards curiosity and turns an everyday journey into something people will stop, look up at, and talk about. As we continue to transform Stockport, projects like this show that regeneration isn't just about new buildings and public spaces. It's about celebrating the people, creativity, history, and natural environment around us that make Stockport special, while giving residents and visitors even more reasons to explore the town centre.”
About Groundwork
Groundwork Greater Manchester is an environmental and communities charity working with individuals and in places in Stockport where support is needed the most. To find out more, visit Groundwork Greater Manchester, email greatermanchester@groundwork.org.uk, or call 0161 220 1000.
