ESSEX Wildlife Trust has unveiled a new mural in Walton to raise awareness of marine and coastal wildlife.
The artwork was created to mark the start of National Marine Week, which runs from July 26 to August 10.
The mural, located on the side of the Tendring Council-owned Beach Patrol office, features native oysters, seagrass, a harbour seal, moon jellyfish, and a little tern.
Adam Nixon, coastal recovery officer at Essex Wildlife Trust, said: "Our coastline is full of incredible wildlife above and below the waves but it can be difficult to know what lives in our waters.
"National Marine Week is a chance for the trust to connect people with their local marine life, and we’re hoping this mural highlights the wildlife that lives on Essex’s coast.
"We’ve got an exciting programme of events and activities for all ages across National Marine Week and we hope to see the public getting involved."
Tendring Council supported the project by providing the wall space.
Mick Barry, councillor responsible for leisure and public realm, said: "We’re thrilled to be supporting this fantastic mural project in Walton, which will bring a splash of colour and creativity to our coastline while celebrating the rich marine life that makes this part of the Essex Sunshine Coast so special.
"We can’t wait to see the conversations it sparks about our incredible local wildlife."
During National Marine Week, Essex Wildlife Trust is running a series of public events and activities to help people connect with the coastline.
These include a kite festival, beach cleans, fossil hunts, and an art competition open to all ages.
Gary Scott, councillor responsible for arts, culture and heritage at Tendring Council, said: "We are proud to work alongside partners like Essex Wildlife Trust to champion our natural environment, enhance the quality of life for our residents, and showcase our unique coastal heritage.
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"Creative projects like this not only inspire pride in our communities but also help attract visitors, encouraging them to explore more of what Tendring has to offer and stay longer."
The mural was brought to life by artist Dave Gnash of Gnasher Murals.
He said: "I hope this artwork really brings to life the marine and coastal environments we have here, for the people that live locally and those visiting from further away."
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