ENTRIES are now open for a prestigious photography competition which is run each year by Fordingbridge-based charity Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT).
The Julian Gardner Award offers budding amateur photographers the chance to capture the UK countryside, including people who live and work there, game, wildlife, various habitats and landscape.
The sixth competition, which has an adult and junior section, was launched five years ago in memory of Julian Gardner, a Sussex farmer and lifelong supporter of the GWCT who was tragically killed while defending his property in October 2010.
The winner of the adult category will be awarded a sculpture of a hare and the champion of the junior category - for children aged 16 and under - will be presented a sculpture of a leveret.
James Swyer, who is organiser and editor of in-house membership magazine Gamewise, said: “It’s a fantastic competition in memory of a great man who was an ardent supporter of the Trust and its work.
“Each year, the competition seems to grow in popularity and we are spoilt by the great selection of photos which are submitted.
“I have no doubt that this year will be no different and we very much look forward to receiving the entries and then have the difficulty of judging them.”
The top three photographs from each section will be printed in Gamewise and featured on GWCT’s website. The images will be judged by a panel on composition, originality and technical ability.
Last year saw Richard Gunther, of Rye, scoop first prize in the adult competition with his stunning image of a herd of deer, pictured right, while in the under-16 category, Lauren Smewing entered a remarkable close-up of a frog in the grass.
The winners will be presented with their trophies as well as prints of their award-winning photographs thanks to a large donation from Julian’s friends and family.
Anyone wishing to take part are able to email a maximum of two photographs to photocompetition@gwct.org.uk by 30th April 2018.
More details can be found at www.gwct.org.uk/photocompetition
Competition rules
The competition is only open to amateur photographers. Entries must not have been offered for sale or have won other competitions and they must have been taken in the UK. Images of zoo and captive animals will not be considered. You can enter a maximum of two photographs in colour or black and white; any photos you attempt to submit after the first two will not be accepted for the competition. Only digital entries supplied as high-quality JPEGs (a minimum size of 1MB, maximum 6MB) will be considered.
By submitting any photographs, you agree to grant the GWCT a perpetual royalty-free licence for use in our publications, on our website and in promotional material. The author will be credited where possible.
Unsuccessful entrants will not be contacted and no feedback on any entry will be provided. All photographs will be judged on composition, originality and technical ability.
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