2021 South Downs National Park photo competition launches

Photographers are being challenged to snap uplifting images that capture the beauty of the natural world in the 2021 South Downs National Park photo competition.
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This year’s theme is ‘Nature Makes Me Happy’ and judges will be looking for photos of the landscape, wildlife, rivers, coastline, woodland, a piece of history, or people enjoying the National Park

Open to amateur or professional photographers, the broad theme could also cover those ‘happy places’ in the South Downs that replenish the soul.

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Nick Heasman, countryside and policy manager at the National Park and chairman of the judging panel, said: “We’re excited to be able to launch our 2021 photo competition and we’ve got a fantastic theme this year that we think will really resonate with people.

Chanctonbury Ring by Tim Kahane - winner of the 2020 competitionChanctonbury Ring by Tim Kahane - winner of the 2020 competition
Chanctonbury Ring by Tim Kahane - winner of the 2020 competition

“It’s been a challenging 12 months for so many people, but one thing is for sure – nature brings a smile to the face.

“Those experiences in the natural world, whether it be walking in a beautiful green space, seeing a majestic bird in the sky and going for a jog in the woods, have really inspired people.

“We’ll be looking for images that capture how uplifting the South Downs can be.

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“We’ll also be keen to see if people can depict their ‘happy place’ in a spectacular photograph.”

Wheat Ear by William Johns-Warner. Highly Commended in the 2020 competitionWheat Ear by William Johns-Warner. Highly Commended in the 2020 competition
Wheat Ear by William Johns-Warner. Highly Commended in the 2020 competition

Award-winning photographers Rachael Talibart, Finn Hopson and Carlotta Luke also return to the judging panel.

Carlotta, who is based in Lewes, said: “I am so pleased to be part of the judging panel again for the photography competition.

“We’ve got a great new theme this year so I can’t wait to see what people send in to us.

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“I live in the midst of the South Downs and the landscape and wildlife here certainly make me happy.

Nick HeasmanNick Heasman
Nick Heasman

“I know they do for many people, especially during the challenging year that we have had, so please send us your photos that show this!”

Rachael said: “Nature can be such a respite from troubled times and where better to enjoy it than the beautiful South Downs National Park.

“I’m really looking forward to enjoying lots of uplifting photographs from this special place.”

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The top prize will be £250, with a runner-up prize of £150, third prize of £100 and fourth prize of £50.

The youth competition also returns this year for budding young photographers – with categories for those aged ten years and under and 11 to 17.

There will be a prize of a family pass to Marwell Zoo for the ten years and under category, while the prize for 11 to 17 category will be a family pass for a Forest Segway outdoor adventure ride at Go Ape.

Entries close on October 31.

For more information and to download the entry form visit www.southdowns.gov.uk/care-for/photocompetition2021

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