Aylestone Meadows
Created in 2017, this welcoming mural marks the entrance to Aylestone Meadows, one of Leicester’s best-loved nature reserves. Produced by MONO in collaboration with Graffwerk, the Aylestone Meadows Appreciation Society and Leicester City Council, the project brought together artists, community groups, and residents to create a fitting gateway to this much-used green space.
The artwork celebrates the meadows’ rich biodiversity and features the distinctive Longhorn cattle that graze the area. Local consultation shaped the design, ensuring a dark brown rabbit was included, a familiar sight across the reserve’s fields and paths. Elements of canal art reference the waterways, bridges and Lock 39 of the Grand Union Canal, which runs through the meadows.
Aylestone Meadows spans the floodplains and tributaries of the River Soar, serving as an important wildlife haven on the south-western edge of the city and providing access to miles of walking and cycling routes. Positioned at the car park entrance off Aylestone Road, MONO’s vibrant mural celebrates this landscape and offers a colourful introduction to the natural world just a short walk from the main road.
