Dive into the magic of The Great Tail Trail

We're delighted to be sponsoring a tail in The Great Tail Trail.

More than 45 giant mermaid tail sculptures will be making a splash in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) from April to June 2025 with the launch of The Great Tail Trail.

This is an exciting community art adventure in aid of raising money for Julia’s House children’s hospice and delivered in partnership with Wild in Art.

The Great Tail Trail timeline

A timeline of The Great Tail Trail

Julia’s House: A beacon of hope for families

Julia’s House is a lifeline for families caring for a child with a life-limiting condition. Julia’s House help families navigate the challenges of caring for a seriously ill child.

Their dedicated team provides practical and emotional support, both in the home and at their hospices. They believe that every family deserves peace, love, and understanding during challenging times.

Your donation can make a real difference. Together, we can ensure that these families receive the care and compassion they need.

Learn more
Image explaining that we're sponsoring Julia's House charity

A decade of dedication to Julia's House

For over a decade, we have been committed to supporting Julia's House children's hospice. We've participated in numerous events, from bike rides to bake sales, to raise money for this incredible charity.

"We're so grateful and excited that Bournemouth Water has decided to dive in and sponsor one of the mermaid tail sculptures on next spring's Great Tail Trail across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole," said Laura Maidment, Public Fundraising Manager for Julia's House.

" Bournemouth Water is a fantastic supporter of Julia's House and we're really looking forward to working with them on this exciting project that brings together businesses, artists, schools and the general public in a large-scale community event that will raise vital funds for the families cared for by Julia's House in Dorset."

You can help too! Join us in supporting Julia's House and make a difference in the lives of children with life-limiting conditions.

Donate to Julia's House here

Meet Becky Dodd, the artist behind our mermaid tail

Artist Becky Dodd starting to paint the Tail that Bournemouth Water are sponsoring

We're thrilled to announce that local artist Becky Dodd will be bringing our mermaid tail to life for The Great Tail Trail. Her playful and colourful designs are sure to make a splash!

Inspired by her love of surfing and coffee, Becky's designs are full of life and personality. Becky loves breathing life into overlooked spaces by designing joyful, large scale conversation pieces. She has been appointed to paint for many local businesses which include Grounded Coffee, The Saltwater Sauna, The South Coast Makers Store and Sturminster Marshall Golf Club.

"The Wild in Art Lion Trail that came to Bournemouth in 2011, when I was just 11, was the spark that lit my passion for drawing and set me on the road to creating public art. That experience showed me how art can bring overlooked spaces to life and get people talking through fun, joyful designs. Tattoos are such an amazing way for people to express themselves and tell their stories, so with the "Tattooed Mermaid," I wanted the design to be something everyone could relate to. I filled the mermaid with playful, whimsical illustrations and positive messages to show off her adventurous, fun-loving personality!"

Rebecca Dodd, Artist/Illustrator

Sneak peek: our mermaid tail takes shape

While you will have to wait until Spring 2025 to see the full magic, here is a sneak peek of our mermaid tail design as it transforms into a stunning work of art. We can't wait to share the final result with you!

Sneak peek: our mermaid tail takes shape image

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