Bristol Temple Meads station now features a brand new piece of artwork which aims to highlight Network Rail‘s focus on protecting both wildlife and biodiverse habitats which are found along the railway.

Wiltshire-based artist Cindy Powell has created a stunning piece of work which comprises a print of three oil paintings and is entitled ‘Ensuring a Colourful Future for our Wildlife’ and can be found at the northern end of platform 5.

The installation captures iconic structures and people of Bristol including the Clifton suspension bridge, hot air balloons and, of course, creator of the Great Western Railway and possibly one of the most well-known icons of engineering history, Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

The artwork reveals historical references in black and white, with the wildlife running in the forefront in vivid colour alongside a depiction of a modern-day Great Western Railway train. The work aims to build a connection between the past, present and future of Bristol and creates a strong link between wildlife and humanity with a focus on the extreme importance of protecting this symbiotic relationship.

Cindy has also created a series of artworks for London Paddington Station which were unveiled in April and feature British wildlife and a Great Western Railway train in a surreal scene similar to that of Alice in Wonderland.

Susan Evans, Network Rail’s head of passenger strategy for the Western route, said:

“The railway provides a rich and diverse tapestry of habitats for biodiversity and is home to many species of plants and animals, including some that are rare or endangered.”

“We’re committed to protecting these biodiverse habitats and achieving no net loss of biodiversity on railway land by 2024, with a net gain on each route by 2035.”

“Cindy’s artwork encapsulates the joy that nature and wildlife can inspire and centres on Network Rail’s ambitious biodiversity targets, with trains, plants and animals co-existing with all the benefits that they bring to one another. Bristol is a historic city, and the contrast between the past and present grabs your attention and shines a light on our continued stewardship of a biodiverse railway and what we must do to protect it.”

“I hope the piece inspires passengers as they travel to and from Bristol so that we can all do our bit to look after our wild landscapes and the creatures that inhabit them.”

Artist Cindy Powell said:

“By painting images of nature in colour and historic figures and monuments in black and white, I wanted to create a contrast between the past and the future. All the images are relevant to Bristol, including the Bristol Onion and the statue of John Cabot.”

“With the list of critically endangered animals, insects and plant species growing daily, it is vital for humans to create mutually beneficial relationships with nature. Network Rail is a prime example of a company that has taken this to heart and hopefully will inspire other companies to do the same.”

“I hope that my artwork will encourage people to reconnect with nature and help to ensure a colourful future, not only for our wildlife but ultimately for humans as well.”