Cliftonville FC: Living mural gives house martins a home

Cliftonville Football Club in north Belfast has embarked on a unique initiative to support endangered house martins by integrating nesting cups into a mural at their Solitude stadium. This effort is part of the "Safari in the City" project, which aims to merge art with conservation in urban settings. The project will see additional murals created throughout the Belfast City Council area by the end of October, focusing on the preservation of various native species, including swifts, bats, and invertebrates. The initiative comes in response to the alarming status of house martins, which were placed on the red list of species in need of urgent protection in 2020. Neil Hainsworth, a spokesperson for the project, emphasized the importance of the Waterworks area for these birds, highlighting their historical significance as part of the local heritage. The project aims to raise awareness about the plight of house martins and encourage community involvement in conservation efforts. Italian artist Daniela Balmaverde, who created the mural, drew inspiration from the Cliftonville women's team, reflecting the club's commitment to social responsibility. Club member Joe Gallagher expressed pride in the initiative, stating that it embodies the club's "liberal and welcoming views." He noted the shocking reality of house martins being endangered and praised the club for setting a positive example for others to follow. The project has garnered attention, with notable supporters, including Paul Heaton, lead singer of the English indie rock group The Housemartins, who is a dedicated Cliftonville fan.