A STREET artist is getting his spray cans out on Thursday, August 27, to create a series of murals celebrating Somerset’s wildlife.

Louis Masai is brightening up four walls in North Taunton over the next four days in a collaboration between Somerset Wildlife Trust and Somerset Art Works.

It is part of the trust’s Routes to the River Tone project, which highlights the rich variety of nature in Taunton’s urban environment.

Along with works created by children and local artists, the murals will form an art trail due to open this autumn.

Nick Tomlinson, project manager for Routes to the River Tone, said: “Our town has some rich pockets of wildlife and green corridors that offer the more eagle-eyed the blue flash of a kingfisher or the sleek back of an otter.

“However, many of us are probably unaware that these amazing creatures live so close, as we dash about during our daily work or school commute, expecting to only see such beauty when we visit a nature reserve or venture out into the countryside.”

Louis’s paintings will feature Somerset’s bats, water voles, bees and hedgehogs.

Locations are being kept secret for now, but to find out where Louis will be painting each day visit Priorswood Community Centre.

Beccy Swaine, Somerset Art Works’ learning and engagement manager, said: “This is a thought provoking arts project for North Taunton that will naturally engage with its teenagers alongside all age groups, as they cannot fail to witness nature with attitude taking to the streets.”

The Guerrilla Art Trail is set to open in late September and a guided walk is being organised for Sunday, October 4, as part of the Somerset Art Weeks festival.