THE winning pictures have been chosen for the 2018 Julian Gardner Awards.
Jason Clarke scooped first prize in the adult category for his breath-taking image of a sunset harvest in the Cotswolds, pictured above.
Second place was last year’s winner Richard Gunther with his well captured image of an owl and Malcolm Thompson was third with his picture of an orange tip butterfly.
Defending champion of the under 16s category Lauren Smewing retained her title, and the sculpture of a leveret, with her stunning image of a bee collecting pollen, pictured below. She also dominated second spot with her picture of a kestrel perched on a gate (second).
Meanwhile, Lucy Brewin’s landscape image of a toadstool came third.
The range of pictures, capturing the UK countryside, various habitats and landscape, were judged by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) panel.
Press and publications manager James Swyer said he was impressed with the array of talent on show.
“This year we had a record number of entries, which is fantastic but made the judges’ job extremely hard.”
“In the end, Jason and Lauren’s pictures came out on top for composition, originality and technical ability. They are deserved winners.”
“A big thank you to everyone who entered and made the competition very strong.”
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, at an upcoming GWCT event.
Additionally, the top three photographs from each section will be printed in GWCT’s members’ magazine Gamewise and featured on its website.
The photographic competition, which has an adult and junior section, launched six 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.
To find out more about the Julian Gardner Awards, visit https://www.gwct.org.uk/wildlife/julian-gardner-awards/
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