A popular mixed-use pathway is now home to a vibrant climate change mural for passers-by to enjoy.
The colourful mural which was funded by Burnham and Weston Community Energy (BWE) and North Somerset Council was completed over the summer on the Strawberry Line footpath which runs between Shepton Mallet and Clevedon.
The mural was painted on a 50-foot section of wall that was built several years ago to protect the walkway from a landslip in the Winscombe area of the path.
The mural was designed by local artists and funded through the Sunshine Fund. To ensure the community were front and centre of the mural, workshops were hosted with children from local primary schools.
The group behind the artwork, the Strawberry Line Society, worked with local artists Tomasin Cuthbert Menes and Alice Cunningham to ensure the artwork reflected community input.
Following a landslip that threatened to make the path potentially impassable, a section of wall was constructed around the Winscombe stretch to protect the footpath.
BWE provided £2,720 of funding for the project, with North Somerset Council contributing £1,000.
Gareth Withers of the Strawberry Line Society said:
“It was great to see the community come together for something so positive. Tens of thousands of people use this stretch of the Strawberry Line, and they’ll now be treated to this artwork while also being reminded of the serious climate message it represents.
“I have no doubt that the schoolchildren have already been engaged with the climate crisis through the mural, and over the next year, I hope many others will be positively impacted by it as well.”
A spokesperson for Burnham and Weston Community Energy said:
“We love seeing grant applications come to life, and we’re really proud of what Gareth and the team have done. To see local people help with painting while raising awareness of the climate crisis is what we’re all about.”
The Sunshine Fund supports local projects that promote sustainability, community wellbeing, and environmental action.
Local groups are now being encouraged to apply for funding, particularly those that are new to the fund or focused on climate awareness, biodiversity, and low-carbon living.