Britain’s leading wildlife research charity is on the lookout for talented young camera enthusiasts to take part in its 2013 nature photography competition.
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) inaugurated the Julian Gardner Award in 2012. The award is given to the picture that best encapsulates the wonder and beauty of the British countryside. The award is made in two categories: adult and under-16, and the GWCT is eager to encourage younger entrants for its second year. The competition is open to all amateur photographers.
The award is named after the Sussex farmer Julian Gardner who was tragically murdered while defending his property in October 2010. The award is made possible by a generous donation from Julian’s family and friends, which has funded two magnificent hare sculptures given each year to the winning entrants.
The first adult award was given to Ian Boyd of Whittington Lodge Farm, near Cheltenham, in the adult category, while Craig McCann from Cleveland won the 16 and under section with his striking study of Muirburn.
The top three winning images from each section will be printed in the GWCT’s membership magazine Gamewise as well as being featured on the GWCT’s stand at the CLA Game Fair at Ragley Hall in July. The award will be judged by celebrated professional wildlife photographer Laurie Campbell, GWCT advisor Peter Thompson and GWCT publications editor Louise Shervington.
Louise Shervington said, “After the success of last year’s outstanding entries we are hoping for some equally eye-catching images in 2013. We believe there is a lot of undiscovered talent out that is up to the task of capturing the beauty of the natural world around us. We all see things every day that could become amazing photographs.”
The Trust hopes that the recent wild weather has inspired photographers to take some truly striking pictures, and that the onset of spring will encourage some equally awe-inspiring images. The competition can be entered by emailing your photographs to photocompetition@gwct.org.uk before midnight 31 May 2013. Further details and competition rules can be found at http://www.gwct.org.uk/support_us/3290.asp.
END
Photo caption: Craig McCann's atmospheric photograph of muirburn won the 2012 award in the 16 and under category.
Notes to editors
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies. The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse.
For information, contact:
Eleanor Williams
Telephone: 07592 025476
Email: press@gwct.org.uk