Western Mail

Kingfisher mural highlights endangered species

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THIS is the stunning latest new mural in Cardiff.

The Wild Wall appeared in Canton and was created by artist Spike Clark.

It is one of several murals across the UK by youth environmen­tal group UK Youth for Nature (UKY4N).

It joins similar designs in Aberystwyt­h, Liverpool, Manchester, Belfast and Nottingham.

Each wall highlights a specific endangered species.

The Cardiff mural depicts a kingfisher, an unmistakab­le and rare bird which is on the UK’s amber list for conservati­on.

The species has faced long-term population decline since the 1970s, primarily due to river pollution from industry and agricultur­al ural run-off.

Located in Atlas Place, Canton, it has been supported pported by Friends of the Earth Cardiff, Cardiff Extincinct­ion Rebellion, and nd Green Squirrel.

Members of the public are invited to post pictures of the mural using the hashtag #wildwalls.

There is also a QR code to scan, which will provide the public with more informatio­n about the campaign.

In the run-up to o the COP26 climate conference, ference, which will take place ce in Glasgow from the end d of October, UKY4N will be lobbying i politician­s liti i t to take urgent action to tackle the climate emergency.

RSPB chief exec executive Beccy Speight said: “Cli “Climate t change h i is one of f the th greatt est threats to nature, but restoring natural ecosystems is also one of the

best ways to tackle the climate crisis and to restore ailing species.

“Young people have been some of the most ardent and persistent campaigner­s for action on nature and climate. Natural Kingdom: Wild Walls is an amazing celebratio­n of the UK’s wildlife and its young people.

“It will also be an important signal to politician­s and world leaders gath

ering in Glasgow in November, and to people on the ground in our cities and towns, to take these issues seriously, and to both imagine and ensure a more biodiverse future.”

More than 40% of species in the UK are declining, with 13% of these at risk of extinction. Climate change is one of the main drivers of the loss of wildlife across the countrysid­e.

 ?? Spike Clark ?? The kingfisher mural on Atlas Place, Cardiff. Inset, artist Spike Clark
Spike Clark The kingfisher mural on Atlas Place, Cardiff. Inset, artist Spike Clark
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