BA (Hons) Illustration students from Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) have teamed up with conservationists to transform a Poole Harbour landmark into a vibrant celebration of global migratory birds.
On 23 May, a striking new public mural was officially revealed at Baiter Park, transforming a standard park toilet block into a colourful, educational landmark.
Designed to challenge how visitors view one of Poole's busiest recreational spaces, the bold public art piece is the result of a unique collaboration between BA (Hons) Illustration students, alumni and academics from Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) and the Bird and Recreation Initiative (BARI).
Baiter Park is best known as a bustling hub for dog walkers, skateboarders, and festival-goers; however, from September to March, it also plays host to internationally significant numbers of overwintering migratory birds – including Dark-bellied Brent Geese migrating 3,000 miles from Arctic Siberia, and Turnstones flying 1,900 miles from Greenland. Tired and hungry upon arrival, these birds rely on the park's grasslands and shoreline to survive the winter.
The project began with third-year Illustration students participating in three intensive workshop and tutorial sessions to pitch design ideas responding to BARI's brief.
Following a competitive pitch process, the BARI team selected four student designers to form the core creative team: Sophie Smith, Ayesha Ballen Lopez, Beth Savill and Mae Haywood with additional support from Amy Ryalls, Rebeca Sansores and Grace O’Rourke.
"I'd never been involved with mural painting before but I found I really enjoyed working on-site and getting live feedback from passers-by," comments Mae. "As someone hoping to go into conservation and wildlife illustration, this brief couldn't have been a better fit for me! It really gave me an insight into the kinds of projects I want to take on post-graduation.”
Amy adds, “It was amazing to take part in this project to brighten up Baiter Park and educate the community on migratory birds!
“Seeing the public walk past and hearing their compliments really powered us through the whole project. Sophie, Beth, Ayesha, and Mae all designed such gorgeous illustrations, and I was so happy to bring them to life. Working in a team of muralists with the guidance of Bridie [Cheeseman] was honestly one of the most enjoyable moments of university! We can't wait to hopefully do it again!”
The new mural aims to spark curiosity and reframe the park not just as a recreation ground, but as a vital, globally connected sanctuary for nature. The final design utilises BARI's distinctive, high-contrast colour palette to showcase key local species such as the Plover, Turnstone, and Brent Goose in a playful, approachable ‘hanging out’ style that makes the science of migration accessible to all.
These individual concepts were then woven into a single, flowing composition wrapping around the entire toilet block.
Over the first week of their Easter holidays, the dedicated team of six students – including the original pitch designers – worked alongside alumni Rachel Ng and BA (Hons) Illustration staff Lucia Paganini, Daisy Kate, Vincent Larkin, and project lead Bridie Cheeseman to bring the massive, bold design to life.
“It’s been great working with the students on this project,” Bridie says. “They brought so many interesting ideas to the brief and it’s been fantastic to watch them refine those ideas, collaborating to develop the mural together as a team.
“The installation process was especially rewarding, giving students the chance to scale up their work from concept designs into a large public artwork. The whole team brought an amazing amount of energy, enthusiasm and creativity to the project.
“We hope the mural encourages visitors to see Baiter Park as the hugely important place for wildlife that it is.”
Ria Loveridge, Recreation Mitigation Project Coordinator at BARI, comments, “This project has been an incredible journey of connecting young, local creative talent with vital conservation messaging. By turning a functional park building into a bold, visual narrative, we are helping residents and visitors understand that when they walk through Baiter Park, they are sharing space with extraordinary global travellers who have flown thousands of miles to be here.”
The mural is part of a wider BARI initiative to protect Poole Harbour's wildlife, which will also include a family nature trail, and updated interpretation boards in the area.
Ria adds, “The overwhelming enthusiasm from local people and park visitors for this mural shows how deeply people care about Baiter Park.
“Through the Bird and Recreation Initiative, we’re championing a future where people and wildlife can thrive together. This artwork celebrates Baiter Park’s global importance for migrating birds and invites everyone to play a part by giving nature the space it deserves.
“The AUB team and students have been wonderful to work with, and we are delighted with the mural they have created.”
For more information, visit www.birdsofbari.org or @birdsofbari on Instagram.
