Freiston Shore Flyways Mural and Waymarkers
A New Wildlife-Inspired Artwork at Freiston Shore
Artist
Chris is a cross-media artist based in Belper, Derbyshire, specializing in painting (especially innovative approaches to watercolour), drawing (especially site-specific frottage), live art performance, walk-shops and intervention. His practice is informed by his interest in psychogeography, ritual, and all things folkloric.
The Freiston Shore Flyways Mural is a vibrant public artwork, created in late 2026, celebrating the remarkable birdlife and migratory journeys that make the Lincolnshire coast so special. Created by artist Chris Lewis Jones for a refurbished bird hide at RSPB Freiston Shore, the mural brings together art, nature and community in one inspiring destination.
Accompanied by a series of bird-shaped waymarkers created with local participants, the project invites visitors to explore the reserve in a new way while discovering the stories of the birds that travel through this internationally important landscape.
Inspired by The Flyway Trail
The mural was inspired by The Flyway Trail, a partnership project between Transported and the RSPB that explored the migration routes and stories of birds found across Boston Borough and East Lindsey.
Research undertaken during the Flyway Trail project revealed the incredible journeys made by many of the species that visit Lincolnshire’s coastline each year. These stories of movement, connection and migration became the inspiration for the artwork at Freiston Shore, creating a new interpretation of the area’s wildlife for visitors to enjoy.
The project also builds on the long-standing partnership between Transported and the RSPB, which has seen a range of creative projects developed across nature reserves to encourage people to connect with the natural world through art.
You can learn more about the original Flyway Trail project here: https://transportedart.com/projects/the-flyway-trail/
Created with the Community
Alongside the mural commission, Transported delivered a series of free creative workshops at Freiston Shore, giving local residents and visitors the opportunity to play an active role in the project.
Led by Transported Director Nick Jones, and inspired by Chris Lewis Jones’ mural design, participants sketched birds, used jigsaws to cut bird-shaped panels and painted a collection of colourful waymarkers. These artworks now help guide visitors towards the bird hide and mural.
The workshops attracted people with a wide range of interests, from wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers to aspiring artists and local residents keen to contribute to their community. Some visitors who discovered the sessions while enjoying the reserve were so inspired that they returned on later days to take part themselves.
By involving local people in the creation process, the project has helped foster a sense of ownership, pride and connection to both the reserve and the wider landscape.
“Great day doing all sorts, can’t wait to finish painting my birds this week. Great to add to my community through art and learning lots too. Thanks Transported!”
About the Artist
Chris Lewis Jones is a highly experienced Lincolnshire artist with a long history of creating public artwork across the county. His connection with Transported goes back decades, having worked with Transported Director Nick Jones on the celebrated mural at Fen Side Community Centre more than 30 years ago.
For the Freiston Shore project, Chris developed a design inspired by the area’s birdlife and the wider Flyway Trail themes, creating a striking artwork that enhances the visitor experience while celebrating the unique environment of the reserve.
Visit the Mural
The Freiston Shore Flyways Mural and accompanying waymarkers can be found at RSPB Freiston Shore Nature Reserve, where the waymarkers lead visitors towards the refurbished bird hide.
Whether you’re visiting for birdwatching, photography, a family day out or simply to enjoy the landscape, the artwork offers a creative new way to engage with the reserve and learn more about the migratory birds that call this special place home.
“It’s really spectacular and beautifully painted. It was fun also to see the cutout birds that people on workshops had done as you walk along from the car park. Really makes the place look cared for!”
discover the waymarkers
The finished waymarkers can be found dotted throughout the site, guiding visitors from the car park towards the refurbished bird hide and mural. Together, they create a welcoming trail through the reserve, adding moments of colour, creativity and discovery while showcasing the lasting contribution made by the local community.
“These look great placed around the shore. The improvements are amazing and very much appreciated!”
For opening times and visitor information, please visit the RSPB Freiston Shore website.
