Wilder Southampton picture trail: Neighbourhood Nature

Tawny Longhorn Beetle by Sidney

I feel curious when I see the tawny longhorn beetle — I want to know more about it. This beetle is beautiful and rare. It needs plants like hogweed and wild carrot to thrive, so we should let these plants grow and avoid using pesticides. This photo was taken in Peartree Green.

Artwork located: Crafty Bug Cafe, 82 Bridge Road, SO19 7GQ 

Toadflax Brocade Moth by Southampton resident

Seeing a toadflax brocade moth on a purple toadflax flower makes me feel calm. Moths are beautiful and help flowers to grow. They're also important as food for birds. Moths fly at night, so they can get confused by too much artificial light. We can help them by keeping our gardens dark. This photo was taken near Lordshill.

Artwork location: Aldermoor Community Farm, Aldermoor Rd, SO16 5NN   

Hoverfly by Harry

Seeing a hoverfly makes me feel happy. Hoverflies are really cool — they can hover! They don't sting, and they help flowers grow. We can protect them by not being scared of them and telling others that they are not dangerous. Letting dandelions and other flowers grow provides them with the food they need. This photo was taken in Maybush.

Artwork location: Lordshill Community Centre, Cromarty Road SO16 8LX  

Snail artwork by Dylan

Seeing the painted snail at Bitterne Station by Joanna Rose Tidey makes me feel relaxed and intrigued. Snails have beautiful shells and can teach us the value of slowing down in a fast-paced world. We can protect them by being careful where we walk after rain to avoid stepping on them and allowing them to live in our gardens, even if they eat some plants. This painting is located at Bitterne Station.

Artwork location: Rideride Cycle Workshop, Bitterne Park Triangle, Manor Farm Road, SO18 1NP 

Fox by Tracey

I think it’s a special sight to see a fox. It is unmistakable with its russet red fur and has a reputation for being bold and adaptable. Foxes live throughout the UK in towns and the countryside. They are mostly out at night, but if you’re lucky, you can see one during the day, like this one. We live in Southampton, and this fox was in our garden enjoying the summer sun. Foxes are important because they are an iconic UK species and remind us that we too are adaptable and can overcome challenges.

Location of artwork: Hinkler Community Centre, 365 Hinkler Rd, SO19 6DF  (noticeboard outside; noticeboard inside)

Pill Woodlouse - by May

I feel excited because I love woodlice, and these ones roll into a ball to protect themselves. Woodlice are important because you can find them almost anywhere, and they recycle old leaves. We can help protect them by letting some leaves stay on the ground, avoiding removing all the leaves, and not using leaf-blowing machines. This photo was taken in Newtown.

Artwork location: Freemantle & Shirley Community Centre, Randolph St SO15 3HE  

Dandelion - by Jill

I love this flower because you can see it almost anywhere – on grass, or at the edges of pavements - and all year round. I feel happy when I see it because it’s bright and beautiful. They’re important for bees and ladybirds, especially in winter when there aren’t many other flowers around. We can protect them by letting them grow, and telling people how special they are.

Location of artwork: St Mary’s Post Office, 75 Clovelly Rd, SO14 0AT (window) 

Pigeons by Anne

I love these friendly pigeons who visit me every day. The pigeons make me happy as they are so funny to watch. I can't go out, so wildlife of any kind calms me down and helps with my depression and anxiety.

Artwork location: Woolston Library, Centenary Quay, Victoria Rd SO19 9EF

Painted Lady Butterfly by Lyra

I love this painted lady butterfly. It makes me feel calm and interested looking at such a beautiful minibeast. It is important because it pollinates flowers and is part of wildlife too. We can protect it by planting plants with flowers and leaving fruit for them. This photo was taken in my back garden.

Artwork location: Avenue St Andrews Church,  The Avenue, SO17 1XQ (noticeboard) 

Bumblebee On Knapweed by caustic_bloom

This bumblebee makes me feel happy and optimistic. It is important because large pollen sacks are signs of a healthy environment with vital resources for pollinators. We can protect it by planting more wildflowers to provide for pollinators, which are vital for the pollination of our fruit and veg. This photo was taken on Old Northam Road.

Artwork location: God's House Tower, Town Quay Road, SO14 2NY 

Kestrel by Maria

I find the kestrel amazing. It is important as it represents the wonders of nature, showcasing the beauty and complexity of wildlife. We can protect kestrels by improving our environment, ensuring they have safe habitats and abundant food sources.

Artwork location: Monty’s Community Hub, 59 Montague Avenue, SO19 0QB 

Damsel Fly by Maria

The damsel fly makes me feel well happy! It is important because I love local wildlife and it adds to the rich biodiversity of our environment. We can protect it by maintaining healthy ecosystems. This photo was taken in Mayfield Park, Southampton.

Artwork location: Mayfield Garden Centre, Mayfield Park, Weston Lane SO19 9HL  

Baby Blackbirds Nesting by Gemma

Seeing the baby blackbirds nesting by a bus stop makes me feel wonderful. They are important because they spread seeds, control insect populations, and provide food for other wildlife. We can protect them by providing nesting spaces, growing insect-friendly wildflowers (as birds feed their young caterpillars and insects), and protecting natural habitats. This photo was taken at the Station Road bus stop.

Artwork location: Sholing Valleys Study Centre, Station Rd, SO19 8FP  (noticeboard) 

Young Geese Feeding While The Mother Protects Them by Hana

Seeing the young geese feeding while the mother protects them makes me feel close to nature, as my dad said “be careful” just like the mother goose thought about us. This is important because nature is like us, and we need to protect it, not destroy it. We can protect it by creating green spaces, reducing waste, and stopping people from destroying nature. This photo was taken in Hythe, Southampton.

Artwork location: Southampton City Farm, Green Lane, SO16 9FQ 

London Plane Tree by Bevois Town Primary School

We love this tree. We play under it and swish through the leaves in autumn. This tree looks after us by providing shade and a place to gather. It is very big and tall, standing proud in our community, and we gather around it. We belong to it, and it belongs to us. We don’t want to cut it down. We want to protect its roots and ensure it remains a part of our lives for generations to come.

Artwork location: Bevois Town Primary School, Cedar Road, SO14 6RU (school fence) 

Squirrel by Southampton Resident

Seeing a squirrel makes me feel peaceful. Being close to nature helps to ground myself and improves mental clarity. Squirrels, like this one, remind us of the importance of preserving our green spaces. We can protect them by keeping and maintaining green spaces for squirrels and other wildlife to thrive. This photo was taken in Palmerston Park.

Artwork location: Zeenah Collection, 228 Derby Rd SO14 0DY - (window)

Speckled Wood Butterfly by Sunya

Seeing a speckled wood butterfly lifts my spirits and makes me want to dance, just like a butterfly dances on a warm sunny day. This butterfly reminds us that we are here to transform, to fly, and to have fun. We can protect it by being aware of it, observing it, loving it, and learning from it. Nature speaks to us in a magical language. This photo was taken in West End Copse.

Artwork location: Townhill Park Community Centre, Meggeson Avenue, SO18 2FH 

Flowers In Our Neighbourhood by Kajal

Seeing the flowers in our neighborhood brings a sense of calm when I feel anxious. These flowers are important for the insects, the trees, the ecosystem, and for us. We can protect them by simply letting them be, allowing nature to flourish undisturbed. This photo was taken in SO14 - Golden Grove.

Artwork location: Golden Grove estate noticeboards, Jonas Nicholas Square SO14 1PH 

Swollen-thighed Beetle by Friends of St James' Park

Seeing a swollen-thighed beetle on a strawberry flower makes my heart soar; its beautiful iridescence is like finding a tiny green jewel in the park if you look carefully enough! These beetles are keen pollinators as they love the nectar of open-faced flowers, including some flowers of the fruits we love to eat. We can protect them by sharing the message about these beautiful insects and educating our community on their importance. This photo was taken in St James' Park, Shirley.

Artwork location: St James’ Park, St James Road, SO15 5SD (Noticeboards) 

Seal by John 

Seeing a seal at St Denys is wonderful, and it's a joy to share it with the community. It is important to let locals know what’s on their river locally, fostering a connection and appreciation for our natural surroundings. This photo was taken at the River Itchen in St Denys.

Artwork location: Round About Cafe (noticeboard outside) Westfield Corner, SO18 2LE 

Painted Lady Butterfly by Beautiful and bold

Seeing a painted lady butterfly warming itself on buddleia fills me with wonder, knowing that something so exquisite and fragile can fly all the way here from as far away as North Africa. This butterfly is important because it pollinates our plants and serves as a beautiful reminder of the many ways that nature matters to us. We can protect it by providing lots of suitable habitats and valuing it for its beauty and the vital role it plays in our environment. This photo was taken at Portswood Rec.

Artwork location: Portswood Recreation Ground, SO17 3SF 

Hawthorn's Nature Trail by James

Walking along Hawthorn's Nature Trail on Southampton Common in December makes me feel alive and mindful that we live in a beautiful country, blessed by four different seasons. This time spent away from work with my 3-year-old daughter, outdoors near the liminal time of the year (late December), is precious. We can protect and appreciate these moments by educating and informing people. Nature is something to respect, enjoy, and care for. We can all benefit from its wonders. This photo was taken at Southampton Common.

Artwork location: Freemantle Common, Spring Rd/Peartree Ave SO19 2BG Noticeboard at corner 

Daisies by Leviana

These flowers are everywhere and probably taken for granted. For me, they symbolise kindness and generosity, both blessings that are also often taken for granted. They make me feel thankful. These daisies attract bees and definitely make a garden or park look very attractive and cheerful. This photo was taken at Avenue Campus, University of Southampton.

Artwork location: rideride Cycle Workshop, 367 Winchester Rd, SO16 7DJ   

Turkeytail Fungus by Rosi

Seeing the turkeytail, a type of bracket fungus, growing on a tree stump amazes me with all its colours and velvety texture. It is beautiful to look at and plays a vital role in the ecosystem by breaking down dead wood and returning nutrients to the soil. We can protect it by leaving it to do its job and not removing it. This photo was taken in Palmerston Park, Southampton.

Artwork location: St Denys Parish Church Centre, Dundee Road SO17 2ND – noticeboard on St Denys Road 

Cherry Blossom Tree by Arzia

I absolutely love seeing cherry blossom trees. They are so beautiful to look at and always evoke fond memories of school. They mark the beginning of Spring and brighten up any neighborhood. This photo was taken at the University of Southampton.

Artwork location: Freemantle Lake Park, Lakelands Drive, SO15 3AL  

Neighbourhood Fox by Duncan

I feel privileged to be in the presence of such natural beauty when I see one of our beautiful neighborhood foxes. This much-maligned creature deserves a better press. Understanding their needs is key to living successfully alongside these wonderful mammals. This photo was taken at Bitterne Park, Southampton.

Artwork location: Premier Parade, Forest Hills Drive, SO18 2GA (noticeboard outside) 

Fungi by Jayne

I’m very curious about the fungi and enjoy the intricate patterns it makes. Fungi are responsible for breaking down organic matter and releasing carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus into the atmosphere. We can protect it by not damaging it or scraping it off the tree—simply enjoy its beauty! This photo was taken in Telegraph Woods.

Artwork location: Oasis Hub East (Oasis Community Hub), 47 Melchet Rd, SO18 5GW 

Winter Rose Hips by Rae

I am in awe of the beauty of resilience and decay shown by winter rose hips. Life continues to thrive in its diversity, even in the colder, darker months. We can protect and conserve the urban wilds to support this resilience. This photo was taken at SO19.

Artwork location: Hinkler Community Centre, 365 Hinkler Rd, SO19 6DF (noticeboard outside; noticeboard inside) 

Sketches by Dawn

Sketching a bee on a flower and a poppy seed head, I reflect on the importance of outdoor teaching practice. These sketches symbolise the intricate connections in nature and the value of learning from our natural environment. Embracing outdoor education can enhance our understanding and appreciation of these vital ecological interactions.

Artwork location: October Books, 189 Portswood Road, SO17 2NF 

Cinnabar Moth by Southampton Resident

I love seeing the cinnabar moth, it's such a beautiful moth. Cinnabar moths can be seen flying during the day and night and are often mistaken for butterflies! To help moths in our local area, we can reduce light pollution to prevent disorienting them at night, provide shelter such as leaf litter and logs for them to hide and pupate, and offer food sources by planting various native plants.

Artwork location: Shirley Baptist Church, Church St SO15 5LG (noticeboard)