Derry's Bishop’s Field brightened with stunning new wildlife artworks

The entrances to Bishop’s Field have been brightened up with stunning new artworks celebrating Creggan’s ancient wildlife history.

The project was delivered by Féile in collaboration with local artist collective Peaball, with support from children at Holy Child PS.

As well as transforming the approach to one of the area’s main play and sports facilities, the murals have sparked people’s imaginations about what the neighbourhood might have looked like hundreds of years ago.

The artwork features striking portraits of two birds of prey believed to have lived in the area - the kestrel sparrowhawk and the peregrine falcon.

Commenting on the completed artwork, Féile’s Ruairí O’Connell said the new murals have helped transform the main gateway into Creggan.

He said: “Peaball has done an amazing job capturing a sense of how our neighbourhood looked when it was full of wildlife, nature, and different beautiful animals centuries ago.

“We’re delighted to have local primary school children at the heart of the design work and learning more about their community. More importantly, seeing their ideas brought to life will help them take real pride in where they live.

“Over recent years, these entrances had become an eyesore with unsightly graffiti. We’re pleased that they’ve now been totally transformed, and that the hundreds of people who pass by every day will see bright, welcoming art instead.

“This is the first in a series of projects Féile will be leading in the months ahead to improve the physical landscape of our neighbourhoods.”

Residents have welcomed the murals as a great addition to Creggan’s growing collection of vibrant street art. Here’s what they had to say:

“I think they look class, and they really lift the whole area. I live here and pass these entrances every day, and it now looks amazing.”

“They’re really good and people see this as a positive initiative. It’s something that was needed to change attitudes and send out a positive message about this area.”

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“Absolutely beautiful. The artists have captured the wildlife in a way that really stands out. It’s very impressive.”

“It makes the area look a lot neater and cleaner. It makes people want to bring their children to the play park because it looks welcoming again.”

This project is part of Féile’s Graffiti on the Walls initiative, funded through the Executive Office’s Communities in Transition programme, which supports improvements to the physical landscape in Creggan and the Brandywell.