The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) is delighted to announce the winners of the Julian Gardner Awards. Now in its 4th year, the photography competition saw a wide variety of entries from amateur photographers across the UK.
The winner of the adult category was Richard Gunther of Rye with his stunning image of a herd of deer, while in the under-16 category, Lauren Smewing entered a remarkable close-up of a frog in the grass.
The two winners were presented with their trophy in Westminster by Director of Membership & Communications, Andrew Gilruth. They had been invited to attend the GWCT All Party Parliamentary Group at Portcullis House.
The top six entries were selected by a panel of judges from hundreds of entries. In second place of the adult category was Karen Ramoo with her picture of a common buzzard and its prey, and third place was awarded to Joanne Duncan for her outstanding picture of a hoverfly. In the under-16 category, second place went to Sophie Harris’ beautiful picture of a magnolia, and an excellent close-up of a pheasant won Katy Read third place.
Peter Thompson, Biodiversity Advisor at the GWCT, who was one of the judging panel commented:” The standard of entries this year was extremely high, and both winning photos were particularly impressive, managing to capture their subjects in a moment of complete stillness. I would like to congratulate the four finalists on their impressive entries too. It was a very close competition.” The rest of the judging panel were; professional natural history photographer Laurie Campbell and GWCT publications editor, Louise Shervington.
Open to amateur photographers, the competition was launched in memory of Julian Gardner, a Sussex farmer and lifelong supporter of the GWCT, who was tragically killed whilst defending his property in October 2010. A very kind donation from Julian’s family and friends enabled the GWCT to buy the two trophies, which are presented to the winners to display for the next year, as well as prints of their award-winning photographs.
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