Wildlife charity seeks scenes of British rural beauty for photo competition

The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) is now looking for entries for the third annual Julian Gardner Award photographic competition.

The Award is made in two categories - adult and 16-and-under - and is open to pictures of the wildlife and countryside of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is named after Julian Gardner, the Sussex farmer who was killed defending his property in 2010, and commemorates his life-long love for the British countryside. The winning photographs are judged to be those that best encapsulate the beauty and wonder of the natural landscape around us.

Last year's winners were Martin Munn of Surrey, with his close-up picture of a ladybird caught between bright petals; and a gold-lit woodland scene from 16-year old Christopher Page of Kent. The award is opening to all amateur photographers from around the world, though pictures must be taken within the UK to be eligible.

The top three winning images from each section will be printed in the GWCT’s membership magazine Gamewise as well as being featured on the GWCT’s stand at the CLA Game Fair at Blenheim Palace in June. The award will be judged by renowned professional wildlife photographer Laurie Campbell, Gamewise editor Louise Shervington and GWCT advisor Peter Thompson. Both winning entrants will be awarded a beautifully-crafted hare sculpture, made possible by generous donations from the family and friends of Julian Gardner. Last year’s prize winners received their award from Environment Minister Richard Benyon MP, who has a real passion for the countryside and wildlife. 

Peter Thompson said, "This competition is so brilliant because photographs depicting absolutely anything to do with the British countryside can be sent in, however entries really need that WOW factor, so the moment the judges see your photo, it creates a reaction – surprise, a smile or a gasp! Both the winners of last year’s impressive collection of entries did just that – they leapt out of the pack and demanded to be noticed!"

The judges hope that even the recent dismal weather might have inspired amateur photographers with striking scenes of the countryside at its most wild and awe-inspiring.

The contest can be entered by emailing no more than two photographs to photocompetition@gwct.org.uk before midnight on Saturday 31 May 2014. Entrants are encouraged to include a contact address, phone number and age with their pictures. Further details and full competition rules can be found at www.gwct.org.uk/photocompetition.