Community Mural Celebrates Greening Project at Mount Wise
A vibrant new mural is nearing completion at Mount Wise Neighbourhood Centre, created as part of a wider tree planting and greening project delivered by Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest. The artwork celebrates the transformation of the space and helps showcase the positive impact of the planting scheme.
The mural has been designed and painted by Kate Crawfurd in collaboration with the local community. Funded through the Community Forest programme, it reflects the garden improvements and newly planted areas, drawing on themes of nature, growth and renewal. The aim was to create something welcoming and inclusive, with a design that appeals to adults as well as younger visitors.
Sitting alongside the tree planting and landscaping work, the mural forms part of a wider partnership project involving Green Communities Plymouth, The Zebra Collective, The Open University, Plymouth City Council and Nature Plymouth, as well as the local community. Together, they have helped transform what was once a very grey space into a greener, more welcoming environment.
The impact has been immediate. The refreshed building and garden are already drawing attention from passersby, while local residents are enjoying a brighter, more uplifting view. The centre itself continues to offer a wide range of activities—from toddler groups and youth sessions to wellbeing and gardening clubs—all benefiting from the improved surroundings.
A key part of the project has been community involvement. Residents have helped shape the mural and, in some cases, contributed to painting it, creating a real sense of ownership and pride. The artwork is still evolving, with final sections being completed, reflecting the ongoing growth of both the garden and the community around it.
By combining tree planting, garden improvements and community-led art, the project at Mount Wise shows how environmental investment can create lasting benefits—supporting greener spaces while bringing people together.
“This has been one of the most heartwarming projects I’ve worked on. There is so much love and activity at this neighbourhood centre—it feels like one big family. The mural has been truly embraced by the community, transforming a once grey building into a bright, cheerful welcome for all.”
Kate Crawfurd, Mural Artist