As winter finally gives way to spring, Britain's leading wildlife research charity is encouraging amateur photographers to head outside and take a potentially prize-winning picture of the British countryside or wildlife.
Run by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), the Julian Gardner Award is now in its fourth year and is presented to the photographer who has most successfully encapsulated the beauty and wonder of British nature. The award is given in two categories - adult and 16-and-under - and is open to all amateur photographers from around the world, though the entries must have been taken in the UK.
Last year's adult category winner was Shaun Barrow of Barnstaple, for his dramatic picture of a cuckoo, while Mairi Eyres of Llangedwyn captured the delicate image of a beetle that won the 16-and-under category.
The contest will be judged by award-winning wildlife photographer Laurie Campbell, GWCT advisor Peter Thompson and GWCT publications editor Louise Shervington, and the winner will be announced at the 2015 CLA Game Fair this summer.
Giving his advice to potential entrants, Peter Thompson said, "Sometimes the most amazing photographs are relatively simple, portraying an incredible landscape or spectacular individual species in its natural environment, allowing nature to show itself."
The award is named after the Sussex farmer Julian Gardner who was tragically killed 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 junior and adult entrants.
The closing date for this year's entries is Sunday 31 May 2015. To submit your photos please use the online entry form at http://www.gwct.org.uk/wildlife/the-julian-gardner-awards/enter/ Further details and full competition rules can be found at http://www.gwct.org.uk/wildlife/the-julian-gardner-awards/
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Photocaptions: The winning entries for the 2014 Julian Gardner Awards by Shaun Barrow, adult category and Mairi Eyres, 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