24 January 2019

Entries open for 2019 Julian Gardner Awards

Sunset _Harvest _-1

AMATEUR photographers with a passion for wildlife can enter the 2019 Julian Gardner Awards.

Entries should capture the UK countryside – be it game, wildlife, habitats or landscape, they will be judged by a panel from organisers the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT).

The competition – launched in memory of Sussex farmer Julian Gardner who was tragically killed while defending his property in October 2010 – has an adult and junior section.

The winner of the adult category will be awarded with a sculpture of a hare and the victor of the junior category, for children aged 16 and under, will be presented with a sculpture of a leveret.

More than 100 entries were received last year with a brilliant selection of photos.

Scooping first prize in the adult category for his stunning image of a sunset harvest, pictured above, in the Cotswolds was Jason Clarke. Richard Gunther’s image of an owl came second, ahead of third-placed Malcolm Thompson with his orange tip butterfly.

As for the junior category, Lauren Smewing retained her title for the second successive year with her striking image of a bee collecting pollen, pictured below. She also dominated second spot with her picture of a kestrel perched on a gate. Lucy Brewin’s photograph of the countryside was voted third.

Bee _collecting _pollen

Judge James Swyer, press & publications manager at GWCT, said: “We are very fortunate to have a whole host of fantastic entries last year.

“The images will be judged by a panel on composition, originality and technical ability. 

“The top three photographs from each section will be printed in Gamewise and featured on GWCT’s website.”

“We look forward to receiving even more than last year.”

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 can email a maximum of two photographs to photocompetition@gwct.org.uk.

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

The closing date is May 31st.

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