Vespertine Garden: Discovering Bradford’s hidden wildlife
We’re excited to launch a brand-new creative project, Vespertine Garden.
Working with children and young people in Bradford, we’ll create an ambitious new immersive installation exploring the hidden worlds of urban wildlife and the urgent need to protect the ecosystems we share.
The installation will be available to visit at South Square Centre from November 2026 to February 2027, inviting audiences to experience Bradford’s overlooked nocturnal landscapes through the eyes of the creatures that emerge at dusk.
Why is this project important?
The term ‘vespertine’ describes species that are active in the evening and at night – including bats, hedgehogs, foxes, owls, moths and nocturnal plants. These creatures are our neighbours, but their habitats are increasingly under threat.
Through a series of creative workshops led by Bradford-based artists Amy and Emma-Jo Bairstow, local school pupils will explore biodiversity loss, environmental challenges and practical ways to support wildlife in their own communities.
Combining hands-on making with ecological learning, Vespertine Garden will encourage a new way of seeing familiar spaces: not simply as places designed for humans, but as shared habitats that require care, attention and stewardship.
What will the installation look like?
The installation will transform the Main Gallery at South Square into a glowing twilight environment of UV-lit neon sculptural plants and creatures. Handcrafted from paper and recycled cardboard, they will create a magical landscape where the hidden vespertine world is brought vividly to life.
Visitors will journey through this enchanting habitat accompanied by a bespoke soundscape created by local sound artist, Fran Bundy, using foraged sounds gathered from the local environment.
Together, the light, sculpture and sound will encourage us to reconnect with the wildlife around us and imagine new ways of caring for the ecosystems on our doorstep.
Our project partners
We’re really excited to be working with local artists Amy and Emma-Jo Bairstow and Fran Bundy to bring Vespertine Garden to life.
Filmmaker, Matt Radcliffe, will capture the project as it unfolds, creating a short ‘making of’ film that will be available to watch alongside the installation.
Vespertine Garden has been funded by Arts Council England and Bradford Culture Company, and was inspired by Neon Garden, presented by Art Works at Barnsley Civic Centre. Thank you to these organisations for their support.
How can I get involved?
Vespertine Garden is a community project, bringing together artists, young people and members of the local community.
Alongside our creative workshops with schools, we’ll be running community making sessions where you can get involved in creating pieces for the installation. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for more info.
The exhibition will launch on Friday 6 November, and everyone is welcome to join us for opening night! To make sure everyone can enjoy the installation comfortably, we’ll have timed slots available to book for the opening. We’ll share the link to book your spot in the coming weeks.
You’ll then have plenty of time to explore Vespertine Garden, with the final viewing date on Sunday 28 February 2027.
Below images:
- Image one: Vespertine artists, Fran Bundy, Amy and Emma-Jo Bairstow
- Image two: A small-scale mock-up showing UV-lit neon
