Young environmental campaigners in Aberystwyth have created a wildlife mural to highlight the climate and ecological emergency.

Youth environmental group UK Youth for Nature (UKY4N) launched its ‘Natural Kingdom: Wild Walls’ campaign this summer, creating murals across the UK – including in the one in Aberystwyth – to highlight the impacts of climate change on nature.

The murals are being created and coordinated in series to be unveiled between now and the UN climate conference, COP26, in Glasgow this November.

Aberystwyth’s coastal location means that its Wild Wall focuses on the ocean ecosystem, highlighting species such as Cardigan Bay’s famous common bottlenose dolphins.

Artists Megan Elinor Jones and Lily Beer-Doblon have co-created the mural, which is located on the side of Gogerddan Cottages.

The mural brings together a growing coalition of international and national organisations, but was made possible by local businesses, Brian Wilkins Consultancy Ltd, J Thomas Developments Ltd, CBW Property Management Ltd, Cambrian Scaffolding Ltd and Superior Finish Painting and Decorating, making it a fantastic demonstration of the power of collaboration on all levels.

The mural was finished on Friday, 16, and the team are hoping the scaffolding will be removed, unveiling the mural, on Wednesday.

Forty-one per cent of the UK’s species are declining, with 13 per cent at risk of extinction. Climate change is one of the main drivers of loss of wildlife across the countryside.

The group is also highlighting that restoring nature could help lock up 123 million tonnes of greenhouse gases by 2030 in natural habitats.

Aberystwyth resident and head of campaigns at UK Youth Joe Wilkins said: “There has never been a better or more urgent moment to tackle the nature and climate crises together.

“In bringing together local artists, organisations, businesses and residents, the Wild Walls in Aberystwyth will spark renewed conversations in the town about its local wildlife, and its importance to all of us in this crucial year for environmental action.

“We want the UK’s leadership in 2021 to extend into the next decade as we make new commitments on biodiversity and climate.

“Engaging people’s imaginations, these murals will provide a point of reference from which to address the governments’ progress towards effective policy and action on nature.

“The longevity of these murals will sustain public engagement with the importance of robust ecosystems for years.”