The alleyway between Clarence Road and Gloucester Road has been revitalised with a hand-painted mural, pollinator-friendly planters and augmented reality animations
A busy alleyway in Higham Hill has been transformed into a vibrant celebration of nature, creativity and community through The Urban Fox mural and animation project – a multi-disciplinary collaboration led by The Digital Story Company which is based in the borough.
The Urban Fox project revitalises the alleyway between Clarence Road and Gloucester Road with a hand-painted mural, pollinator-friendly planters and augmented reality animations, giving the wall what the creative team describes as “a second life”.
Inspired by residents’ stories of encounters with the natural world, the project tells a local fairytale of a bright-eyed fox exploring the wetlands, creating a playful and imaginative backdrop for one of Higham Hill’s most frequently used pedestrian routes.
It follows the popularity of a six-storey animated mural co-created by renowned artist INSA and local residents unveiled last year at the Priory Court estate in Walthamstow.
Guided by story producer and curator Kate Hampel from The Digital Story Company, artist Tom Jackson of Wood Street Walls, modular media and animator Maggie Nightingale, the design was co-created through a series of community workshops involving local residents and young people. Participants shaped the mural by stencilling plants and animals, crafting handmade puppets, and contributing ideas for a short, animated film featuring the young fox protagonist.
The concept began by gathering stories from Higham Hill residents about the neighbourhood’s unique urban nature – from its wetlands and foxes to its iconic electrical pylons and sunsets. These stories provided the inspiration for the mural’s immersive wetlands landscape.
The urban fox project has also played a significant role in supporting emerging creative talent. Two young people transitioning out of foster care were offered paid training roles, supporting workshop delivery, contributing to the mural design and assisting with the augmented-reality animation. Two additional paid film-production bursaries were awarded to young community members, enabling hands-on experience in media and storytelling.
The project was funded by Waltham Forest Council’s Make It Happen grant programme alongside Clarion Futures, the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group which owns and manages more than 2,500 homes in the borough, and the Blackhorse Collective Creative Enterprise Zone.
Kate Hampel, project manager and founder of The Digital Story Company CIC, said: “This was an incredibly rewarding project, which just grew and grew in scope. We have had such wonderful feedback from residents who love passing through this alley now, and all the participants are proud to have contributed to the project. It was also special being able to see how positively our trainees responded, and the quality of the work they produced.”
Matt Parsonage, head of communities at Clarion Futures, said: “We’re incredibly proud to support the Urban Fox project – a powerful example of how creativity can strengthen communities and create new opportunities for young people. This collaboration has brought residents and local artists together to transform an unloved space into something meaningful and full of life. Most importantly, it has given young people the chance to develop skills, build confidence and see their ideas become part of a lasting legacy for Higham Hill.”
Trainee Aether Singh said: “I’ve been involved in something that other people can see now. I think it is important for someone who’s been through the care system…it can be a very difficult time. So, I think it’s very important to have something that you can feel a part of.”
Councillor Rosalind Doré, the cabinet member for culture, libraries, sport and leisure, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have supported the Urban Fox project through a truly multidisciplinary collaboration spanning our local creative community, residents, artists and council teams across culture, housing, regeneration and fostering. Seeing this busy alleyway transformed into a vibrant and meaningful mural that brings art to life is inspiring. It stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when we harness the collective creativity and skills of our community.”
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