We’re excited to share the latest addition to our Little Hiccups Mosaic Trail—a beautiful new mosaic artwork now installed at RSPB St Aidan’s Nature Park!
Once an open cast coal mine, St Aidan’s has been transformed into a vibrant nature reserve, alive with wildlife and full of stunning views. It’s a peaceful, accessible space just outside Leeds, perfect for walking, birdwatching, cycling—or simply enjoying the fresh air.
🎨 About the Mosaic Project
This mosaic was designed by Tilly, a young artist and regular visitor to St Aidan’s, and brought to life by mosaic artist Mary Goodwin (marygoodwinmosaics.co.uk). It’s part of our ongoing collaboration with Little Hiccups families to create artworks that reflect personal stories and celebrate inclusive spaces across Leeds.
Each mosaic in the trail is a joint effort—families choose a location that’s meaningful to them, and with the support of Mary, they design a piece that captures both their experience and the spirit of the place.
Tilly shared:
“I’ve been coming to St Aidan’s for years, and it’s one of my favourite places. I was a bit shy about sharing my drawing, but seeing it turned into a mosaic and displayed here is really special.”
A Big Thank You to Jo
We’d also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jo at RSPB St Aidan’s, who has been incredibly welcoming and supportive of our mosaic project. Her enthusiasm and openness made it easy for us to bring this artwork to life in such a special location. It’s wonderful to collaborate with people who share our passion for accessibility, creativity, and community.
🧺 A Day to Remember
To celebrate the installation, we hosted a picnic at St Aidan’s where several families joined us for food, fun, and a walk around the reserve. It was a lovely day filled with connection, laughter, and pride in what we’ve created together.
📍 Plan Your Visit
- Location: RSPB St Aidan’s Nature Park, Astley Lane, Leeds LS26 8AL
- What3Words:
///encounter.spider.spring - Opening Hours:
- Nature Reserve: Dawn to Dusk
- Car Park: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Toilets & Café: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (10am–4pm in winter)
- Cost: Free entry. Parking £4 for non-members.
- Accessibility: Accessible toilets, Blue Badge parking, level paths, and indoor/outdoor seating at the Little Owl Café.
Whether you’re spotting Bitterns and Little Owls, enjoying a picnic, or discovering our mosaic, St Aidan’s is a wonderful place to explore.
🗺️ Follow the Trail
This mosaic is part of our growing Little Hiccups Mosaic Trail—a project designed to encourage families to discover new, accessible places across Leeds. Each stop on the trail tells a story, and we’re so proud to see it growing.
https://www.littlehiccups.co.uk/mosaic-trail/
