Hybrid Ecologies: Creative Interpretation at Sheepscar Beck

Hybrid Ecologies: Creative Interpretation at Sheepscar Beck

There's a new engaging artwork coming to Sheepscar Beck, co-created by the local community and artist Katie Surridge, inspired by the hidden wildlife in our urban environment.

Background 

Sheepscar Beck is a somewhat hidden historic watercourse that flows through the north of Leeds City Centre. The age of the beck stone and brickwork and the presence of invasive species had led to structural weaknesses along the channel. Without intervention, there was a risk of collapse and significant flooding in the area. 

In 2025 Leeds City Council completed a £1.5million refurbishment scheme, funded by the Environment Agency and West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which improves flood risk protection to over 250 local businesses and 50 residential properties by the beck.  

As part of that scheme, a new seating area was created, and new fencing installed to keep the area secure – this has created the perfect opportunity to display artwork that can engage the community with the work that Leeds City Council and its partners do around climate resilience. 

A sculpture to engage

A workshop examining how we communicate this type of flood alleviation scheme in 2025 explored options to better capture people’s attention and promote engagement on flood risk and climate resilience in a more engaging way. 

The idea for a community-led artwork was born and a successful bid for funding was agreed by the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee. Leeds City Council then commissioned Mafwa Theatre, a local community arts organisation based in Lincoln Green, to select an artist who could capture the imaginations of the public, and co-create a piece with local communities. 

Artist and community workshops 

After a selection panel, Mafwa Theatre has appointed artist Katie Surridge who will create four artworks to be installed along the central fence panels at Roscoe Street.

Her piece will marry the industrial heritage of the area with organic biodiversity, drawing a direct parallel between the modular, geometric pattern of the brickwork and the microscopic, cellular structures of insect wings and fish scales. 

The creation of the artwork will be deeply rooted in community engagement and co-creation and will take inspiration from the overlooked wildlife that relies on this hidden waterway within the city. 

Katie is holding three community workshops that will bring to life the creatures that create the final artwork. The final workshop will take place on 30 July at Meanwood Valley Urban Farm, where Katie will be demonstrating a bronze pouring into moulds inspired by her work with the community. 

Installation

The artwork will be installed in Spring 2027. 

Read more about the Sheepscar Beck flood alleviation work at Sheepscar Beck Flood Alleviation Scheme Legacy Information.