Salmon in Southampton: new mural unveiled by local wildlife artist

Joanna Rose Tidey’s new mural at Woodmill Leisure Centre highlights the River Itchen as a salmon spawning site. Funded by Southampton National Park City, the eco-friendly artwork promotes biodiversity and community connection, inspiring pride in local wildlife.

A new mural by Joanna Rose Tidey has been unveiled at Woodmill Leisure Centre. The mural recognises The River Itchen chalk stream as one of Southampton’s richest natural habitats. The chalk stream is a spawning site for Atlantic salmon.

The salmon mural project idea originated from Southampton’s National Park City’s initiative to improve urban connections with nature. To prioritise biodiversity at the Itchen, Southampton National Park City have worked to remove invasive species, commissioned reports on the ecology of the river side and worked with Southampton City Council to explore ways of enhancing local habitats. The mural was funded by Southampton National Park City Youth for Climate and Nature Community Lottery grant. 

Joanna Rose Tidey is a renowned local artist and has several public works across Southampton including the mural at Bitterne Train Station and the painted phone boxes in Sholing.

Councillor Eamonn Keogh, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport said: “It’s a pleasure to see Joanna’s work in a new location. Not many people know that the River Itchen is home to Atlantic Salmon and this mural is a beautifully creative way of sending that message. Public art has been proven countless times to improve people’s moods, and I know that this mural will not only instil pride in place but educate those that visit Woodmill on the species that inhabit the River Itchen.”

Joanna Rose Tidey, the mural artist said: “I was delighted to be appointed as a local artist to collaborate with the Southampton National Parks City team to create a vibrant and informative mural showcasing the local area. This project has provided me with invaluable insights into the unique biodiversity and habitats of our region. During the painting process, I had the pleasure of interacting with some wonderful local residents, who generously shared their knowledge and memories about the area. These encounters highlighted the significance of the mural’s location, chosen by the Parks Team. The timing of the project was also fortunate, as junior conservationists were participating in their Smolt (baby salmon) watch training. I even had the opportunity to encounter the Environmental Agency, who were on their way to a meeting about the salmon. These encounters reinforced the importance of the mural’s location as specified by the Parks Team. While the surface presented some challenges, I am overjoyed with the outcome of the mural.”

Christelle Blunden, chair of Southampton National Park City added: "The River Itchen is an amazing habitat right on our doorstep in the city. When we consulted Southampton residents on their priorities regarding nature in Southampton, the River was the top concern. This mural was conceived to inspire and educate and to increase a sense of connection to and care for our natural environment. It has already brought joy to people and has been noted by the Environment Agency as a signal that people care about and take pride in the quality of the river and the wildlife it supports."

The paint used to create the mural is marine friendly which means it was designed to minimise environmental impact while providing protection against corrosion and fouling. It also has a special anti-graffiti coat.

You can visit the mural at Woodmill, Woodmill Ln, Southampton SO18 2JR.