Students Transform Westergate with Striking 40-Metre Wildlife Mural

A group of environmentally conscious students from Ormiston Six Villages Academy (OSVA) has unveiled a massive 40-metre mural in Westergate, marking the culmination of a community-led project aimed at fostering local pride and combating littering.

The mural, which stretches along a wall next to the Aldingbourne Community Sports Centre, serves as the visual centrepiece of a wider initiative spearheaded by students in Years 8 to 10. By collaborating with professional illustrators Angelina Kovacevic and photographic artist Lindsey Smith, alongside the environmental organization Sussex Green Living, the young activists identified the protection of local habitats as their primary goal.

The students designed a series of unique animal characters based on species found across the six villages the academy serves. These designs have been brought to life not only on the large-scale mural but also through custom vinyl graphics applied to more than 30 local waste bins, thanks to support from Sussex Signs.

The project was brought to fruition through a multi-agency effort, including the Aldingbourne Parish Council and mural experts Wild City UK. The wall itself was generously provided by the Aldingbourne Shooting Club, with local residents also volunteering their time to assist with the final installation.

In July, the artwork was officially inaugurated by the Chair of Arun District Council, Councillor Jill Long, and local Green Councillor Sue Wallsgrove.

“It was a pleasure to officially open this impressive mural,” said Councillor Long. “By working together with artists, the school, the parish council, and community partners, the students have created something that reflects both their creativity and their commitment to protecting the local environment. I hope it inspires residents and visitors alike to appreciate and care for the green spaces around them.”

Councillor Wallsgrove echoed these sentiments, describing the installation as a “testament to the creativity and passion” of the school’s pupils.

This initiative is part of the “Young Cultural Changemakers” programme, an endeavour that empowers youth to work alongside professional creatives to implement community-benefiting projects. Beccy East, creative placemaking producer for Arun, noted that the students showed remarkable determination from the outset of the project.

“It has been really inspiring to see local students from OSVA build their confidence through this programme,” East said. “They were clear that they wanted to invest in a project promoting greater respect for the natural world, and they have undeniably used their creativity to make a really impactful change in Westergate.”