Photographers aged five to 18 years old are urged to send in their best nature photographs, for a chance to win a host of prizes which will be awarded by BBC Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch presenter, Iolo Williams, at a special ceremony at University Centre Shrewsbury on February 15. Iolo is also a former RSPB Wales species officer, a radio presenter, author and wildlife tour leader.
Prizes for the University Centre Shrewsbury (UCS) Young Nature Photographer of the Year competition will be awarded in four age categories (between five and 18) and include wildlife camera traps, Shropshire Wildlife Trust memberships and other wildlife essentials, including nature guides, bug hotels, bird feeders and nest boxes.
Entries will be judged by a panel, including renowned wildlife author and photographer, David Woodfall.
Dr Bethan Stallwood, Senior Lecturer at UCS, said: "We are excited to see the entries as we know there are lots of talented young photographers out there. A good nature photograph doesn't have to be taken a million miles away - in fact, we're particularly interested in the photographs taken close to your home. There's plenty of wildlife in your back garden, from foxes and finches to badgers and beetles.”
Dr Caitlin McQueen, Lecturer at UCS added: "We'd also love to see your photographs of fungi, plants, insects and spiders. Or if you're inspired by our awe-inspiring surroundings, we'd be excited to see your landscape photographs - a wonderful view of the River Severn, or the mist clearing at your local park. We are looking forward to seeing what inspires you.
"And you don't have to have a telephoto lens either. We'll be looking at composition, point of view and how you capture those golden moments of connection with your subjects. A camera phone is all you need. We cannot wait to see your entries."
Entrants should send in their photographs by midnight on Sunday, January 8, 2023 to: naturephoto@chester.ac.uk.
Please submit up to a maximum of five per person and send photos as attachments with your name, date of birth and your school (or please state 'home educated' if this is the case) in the main email.
Winners will be informed via email by January 15 and will be invited to the UCS Young Nature Photographer of the Year 2023 awards ceremony at the Guildhall in Shrewsbury on February 15.
UCS is part of the University of Chester, with Dr Stallwood and Dr McQueen lecturing on programmes within its Medical School.
