If you go down to the woods today... 'Eye catching' transformation of much-loved Inverness woods
A much-loved area of Inverness woodland has had a colourful makeover as part of an initiative to inspire children to connect with the natural world around them.
Two city artists, Susan McCreevy and Heather Afrin, were commissioned by the community group Dunain Community Woods to breathe new life into the duck pond area.
Housebuilder Robertson Homes donated the materials and the labour free of charge to erect a replacement timber framework around the pond, onto which the new artwork was fixed.
The giant mural features an eye-catching array of plants and flowers with lots of local wildlife for the children to spot.
Ms Afrin said: “Our brief was to create something bright and colourful to capture the imagination of children and help them fall in love with the wonderful nature on their doorstep.
“We also incorporated some historical elements such as the peacock and gravestones which have sentimental relevance for local people.”
Ms McCreevy added: “The wildlife, flowers and grasses are portrayed in a mix of styles, from cartoon-like to a degree of realism, which will appeal to a range of ages.
“What had become a rather tired area is now bursting with colour and will be a popular place for families to come and enjoy the great outdoors.”
Jacqui McPherson, sales manager for Robertson Homes, said: “We have two new developments within a short stroll of this fantastic woodland and we know our customers love having this special place so close to their new homes.
“Having just launched Great Glen Gardens, our new development of family homes, we were delighted to be able to help create such a beautiful place for families to enjoy spending some quality time together while the children learn about nature.”
The duck pond artwork is part of a wider initiative by the Dunain Community Woods trustees to improve this area of woodland and having gained a small amount of money from the Co-Op Local Community Fund, the group is open to suggestions about further improvements from the community.
Debbie Borthwick, trustee at Dunain Community Woods, said: “It is great to be working with Robertson Homes again following our successful tree planting day in the Future Forest last year.
“We already have some interesting ideas for further improvements, such as better access, paths and seating and replacing non-native plants with native species and we look forward to hearing more suggestions from the community on what they would like to see.
“We’d also like to take this opportunity to say a special thank you to one regular, Tony Grant. People won’t be aware that for the last decade Tony has been coming to the duck pond almost every day to feed the ducks grain and empty the bins at his own expense. We hope Tony enjoys the new artwork as much as we do.”
To register your interest as a volunteer, go to dunainwoods.com/contact-us
For more on the work of Ms McCreevy click here.
For more on the work of Ms Afrin click here.
