28 March 2018

Deadline's looming for popular photography competition

Richard Gunther  - Winner Adult Category

WITH the deadline looming, it’s time for budding amateur photographers to submit their entries for the popular Julian Gardner Awards.

From capturing the UK countryside, including people who live and work there, and game and wildlife to various habitats and landscape, a range of different pictures will be judged by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) panel.

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.

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, editor of in-house membership magazine Gamewise, said: “It’s a fantastic competition in memory of a passionate 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.

“We’ve already had some fantastic entrants so, as ever, it’s going to be extremely difficult choosing the winners.

“For those thinking about entering but haven’t yet, there’s still time!”

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, 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.

Alternatively, complete the entry form online https://www.gwct.org.uk/photocompetition.

The closing date is Monday, 30th April 2018. 

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