Raleigh bikes and Nottingham canal rubbish turned into heron sculpture

Old Raleigh bikes and rubbish collected from canals in Nottingham has been turned into a sculpture of a heron.

The artwork has transformed a “neglected” urban green space next to the Nottingham and Beeston Canal in the city centre.

The space, on the canal path between Wilford Street and Carrington Street, has also seen new plants, bird and bat boxes, dead hedges and fruit trees, bushes and herbs installed to attract wildlife.

Mapperley artist Michelle Reader, who created the heron sculpture, said she used recycled materials including a shopping trolley, a lawnmower, a picnic bench and beer barrel hoops.

The project was led by Green Hustle, a community interest company, which runs a festival of the same name in Old Market Square.

The refurbished site was created in partnership with the Canal and River Trust, which is responsible for waterways in England and Wales.

Adam Pickering, from Green Hustle, said: ”The Wilford Street Ramp Revamp is a shining example of how collaborative efforts and creative vision can transform neglected spaces into vibrant community hubs that celebrate nature and inspire sustainable living.”

Nottingham-based gardener Andy Callow, from Sherwood Garden Consultancy designed the site, while bike maker Raleigh contributed £8,000 to the project.

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and Nottingham Open Spaces Forum were also involved, alongside several groups of volunteers.