Swift tribute gets approval of nature team
THE new Charles Tunnicliffe tribute mural has been unveiled at Macclesfield station – and has received the thumbs up from a nature conservation group.
Artist ‘Peachzz’ painted the large picture of two swifts on one of the platform towers over the Bank Holiday weekend.
It will become part of the Treacle Town Art Trail and was inspired by the Macclesfield artist, who was born in 1901 and known for his scenes depicting birds and other nature.
Among those to notice it were members of the Swifts Over Macclesfield, a group dedicated to protecting the bird species in the face of badly declining numbers.
Tina Hanak, from the group, said: “The team were delighted to spot the mural.
“It’s a great tribute to Charles Tunnicliffe but also to perhaps the most threatened bird species in our town.
“In the summer months, when swifts are resident, the station platforms can also prove to be excellent view points for travellers to observe these incredibly aerobatic birds as they hunt for insects.
“There’s already been an amazing response to the mural as it was in progress over the weekend.
“I’ve been contacted by other swift conservation groups from across the country for details of the artist!
“Although we were not involved in commissioning this fantastic piece of public art we are hoping it will inspire conversations about how we can best help these iconic birds in and around Macclesfield.”
The group says the number of swifts has fallen in the UK by 58 per cent in 50 years and last year were added to the red list of species threatened with extinction.
But early reports show that this summer, with hot and dry weather that allowed the birds to find the flying insect food for their chicks, was good for breeding.
Swifts spend three months of the year in the UK. The Swifts Over Macclesfield project has helped improve nesting sites in the town and is working to identify additional places where this can be done.
Members also want Cheshire East Council to include such facilities in the planning process.
The mural will be one of three new installations to make up the art trail along with existing pieces such as the picture of Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis, on Mill Street.
Other new pieces include artwork along the station footbridge and proposals for nearby Sunderland Street, where it is hoped that shop shutters will be used as canvases.
All three are expected to be completed by spring next year and further details will be announced over the coming months.