Local wildlife celebrated in coast path mosaics

A series of mosaics have been created along a stretch of seawall on a coast path to celebrate local wildlife.

The 14 tactile artworks have been made from 1,000 hand-cut and glazed ceramic pieces and can be seen between Mudeford Quay and Gundimore Beach in Christchurch.

Artist Matthew Byrom said: "It's a great privilege for me to be able to make this artwork for my hometown and I hope it'll be enjoyed by lots of people for years to come."

The local wildlife celebrated in the mosaics include Hengistbury Head's natterjack toad, the shore crab, an oystercatcher and stonechat.

The designs were developed through community workshops led by Byrom with local groups, school children and youth groups.

He added: "I think that artwork outside is a great way to bring art to people that might not go to a gallery. It'll brighten commutes and dog walks."

The artwork can be viewed by walking along the pathway in either direction. You can find it on a map using What3Words: Start at either ///anyway.novel.track at Mudeford Quay or ///globe.faster.sugar at Gundimore Beach.

The mosaics are one of several artwork trails along the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) area financed through the government's Levelling-Up Fund.

BCP Council said it hoped the installations will help boost civic pride and attract residents and visitors to overlooked areas of the seafront.