Bog Meadows’ Barn Owl Mural: Art, Community, and Conservation in Action

In March 2025, a striking 12-foot mural of a barn owl in flight was unveiled at Bog Meadows Nature Reserve in west Belfast, symbolizing hope for the species’ recovery in and around the city. The mural was created by artist Marc Craig as part of the UK-wide Ark of Extinction project, which uses street art to raise awareness for endangered species. This collaborative effort involved Dawn Patterson from Bog Meadows and Katy Bell, Senior Conservation Officer with Ulster Wildlife, aiming to inspire community engagement in barn owl conservation.

A Mural with a Mission

The mural’s creation was a joint endeavor between artist Marc Craig, Bog Meadows representative Dawn Patterson, and Ulster Wildlife’s barn owl expert Katy Bell. Their collaboration aimed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by barn owls in Northern Ireland, where fewer than 30 breeding pairs remain due to habitat loss, dwindling nesting sites, and road traffic threats. Katy Bell emphasized the significance of the mural, stating, “We want to raise awareness of barn owls locally, and this striking mural is a powerful reminder that they were once much more common in Belfast.”

Swift Completion Amidst Favorable Weather

Benefiting from exceptionally good weather, the mural was completed in just two days. Marc Craig expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “I’m incredibly excited to bring the barn owl mural to life at Bog Meadows. These incredible birds of prey face a real battle for survival, and I hope this artwork raises awareness and inspires action.” 

Community Engagement and Educational Workshops

The unveiling of the mural was accompanied by a series of community events designed to educate and involve local residents. At St Comgall’s—Ionad Eileen Howell, Katy Bell delivered an insightful talk about barn owls, discussing their ecology, the challenges they face, and ongoing conservation efforts. Following this, Marc Craig spoke about the mural’s creation, sharing the inspiration behind the artwork and the creative process involved.

On the final day, a stencil workshop was held at Bog Meadows, allowing community members to create their own barn owl-themed art. Participants of all ages engaged enthusiastically, learning spray-painting techniques and expressing their creativity. This hands-on experience not only provided a fun and educational activity but also reinforced the community’s role in supporting local wildlife conservation.

Looking Ahead

The barn owl mural at Bog Meadows stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between artists, conservationists, and the community. By combining art and education, the project aims to inspire ongoing efforts to protect and restore barn owl populations in Northern Ireland. As sightings of these elusive birds increase, it’s crucial to maintain momentum in conservation initiatives. Ulster Wildlife encourages the public to support barn owl conservation by reporting sightings, creating suitable habitats, and reducing the use of rodenticides.

Through continued community engagement and awareness, there is hope that barn owls will once again become a common sight in Belfast’s skies, symbolizing a successful harmony between humans and nature.Barn Owl Mural Unveiled at Bog Meadows to Highlight Conservation Efforts

In March 2025, the town of Redruth, Cornwall, became the inaugural site for the global Ark of Extinction project, an initiative designed to raise awareness about endangered species through public art. Leading the charge was renowned artist Marc Craig, who created a striking three-storey red squirrel mural in Market Strand. The piece not only highlights the plight of red squirrels in the UK but has also ignited local conservation efforts and community engagement.

A Mural with a Mission

The mural, composed of white painted bones against a bold red backdrop, took four days to complete. Marc Craig described his deep connection to the project, stating, “My mum is very much Cornish, and I said if I could get the first mural done in Cornwall, it would be really special to me.”

Beyond its striking visual appeal, the mural serves as a call to action. Rebecca Pearce, Communications Co-ordinator for Redruth Town Council, emphasized its impact: “It was a fantastic opportunity for the town to be part of something that is such a global project and who wouldn’t want a three-storey red squirrel in their town?”

A Community Effort

What set this project apart was Marc’s deep commitment to community involvement. Rather than simply painting the mural and leaving, he actively engaged with local residents, artists, and schoolchildren. Charlotte Caldwell, Clerk of Redruth Town Council, praised his dedication, saying:

“Marc was open to collaboration and invited the community to participate in the project, which made it truly special. He did this by visiting a local primary school, delivering an assembly about the ‘Ark of Extinction’ and inspiring the children with a graffiti workshop.”

Additionally, Marc helped establish a Red Squirrel Trail, featuring artwork from local Redruth and Cornwall artists to emphasize the importance of conservation and community. Charlotte Caldwell noted:

“Marc’s artwork and attitude truly galvanize a community, and Redruth is delighted to be a part of this incredible movement.”

The St Piran’s Festival Connection

Marc’s visit to Redruth coincided with the St Piran’s Festival, Cornwall’s annual celebration of its patron saint. He didn’t just observe the festivities—he took part in the parade, marching alongside locals to celebrate Cornish heritage.

Adding an interactive element, Marc also ran a free stencil workshop, where festival-goers created their own St Piranhas flags—a fun twist on the traditional St Piran’s flag, merging conservation awareness with cultural festivities.

Inspiring Conservation Action

Beyond art, the project has sparked real-world conservation efforts. Inspired by the mural and Marc’s work, Redruth Town Councillors have begun lobbying the Cornwall Wildlife Trust to explore the possibility of reintroducing red squirrels to the region, a species that has been extinct in Cornwall since 1984. Charlotte Caldwell highlighted Marc’s influence in driving this effort:

“In addition to the artwork, Marc has collaborated with Redruth Town Council to work towards reintroducing the Red Squirrel in Redruth. Marc has actively sought out different organisations within Cornwall to collaborate on this mission. The ‘Ark of Extinction’ has in turn inspired Redruth’s Councillors to lobby Cornwall Wildlife Trust, asking them to reintroduce the Red Squirrel to the area.”

While the process of reintroduction will take time and significant ecological management, the fact that a single piece of public art could ignite such a movement speaks volumes about its power.

A Lasting Impact

Marc Craig’s time in Redruth was more than just a mural project—it was a catalyst for awareness, creativity, and action. Through his work, he not only connected with the amazing artists and residents of Redruth but also helped spark real conversations about conservation.

Summing up his contributions, Charlotte Caldwell described Marc as:

“Professional, dedicated, passionate, and simply magic!”

As the Ark of Extinction project continues its journey across the world, Redruth proudly stands as its first home—proof that art, community, and conservation can go hand in hand to create real change.