Campaign for National Parks’ photography competition 2021 – voting now open
***Click here to see all the winning and highly commended images in Campaign for National Parks Photography Competition 2021***
7 October 2021
Scenes of extreme weather, pollution and nature recovery feature in the shortlist for the People’s Choice Phone Photograph award in this year’s Campaign for National Parks Photography Competition, run in partnership with Digital Photographer Magazine.
The following five images shortlisted and will close at midnight on Thursday 14 October 2021. Please vote for the one image you would like to win.
SHORTLIST:
1) Litter in Brecon Beacons National Park, by Tanith Harwood
A lot of litter is made of single-use plastic, made through intensive processes which rely on fossil fuels and release greenhouse gasses. It’s made its mark on the earth even before its discarded in our National Parks. Tanith spotted this depressing scene in Brecon Beacons National Park.
Tanith said: “This photo was taken in Waterfall Country, Brecon Beacons. It was an entrance to a cave which had been sealed off, but obviously people thought it was nature’s dustbin. I always take a bag out with me when I’m out on my walks now to pick up rubbish, it’s horrendous to see and always gets me mad. How people can litter like in this image is just beyond me.”
2) Extreme weather in North York Moors National Park, by Cara Organ
Climate change is leading to more extreme weather, which we’re experiencing here in the UK with hotter summers and changes to the patterns in the seasons impacting nature and wildlife. Heavy snowfall hit North York Moors National Park this winter and it was captured by Cara with this stark image.
Cara said: “This winter was ridiculously snowy, while the summers get hotter – extremes of weather more common due to climate change.”
3) Peatbog in North York Moors National Park, by Gemma Scire
One of the ways National Parks can help tackle climate change is with nature recovery initiatives, including peatland restoration. Peatland captures carbon from the armosphere, where it would otherwise contribute to further climate change. Huge efforts are underway to make the most of this natural resource in National Parks. Gemma captured the intricacies of a peat bog in North York Moors National Park.
Gemma said: “I do love my Moors and this bit is especially gorgeous – peat bog, no filter on these beauties.”
4) Impact of industry in Peak District National Park, by Simon Walkden
Industry impacts National Parks and their settings as well as often contributing to climate change. If you look carefully, you will see Hope Cement Works visible in the background of this photo from Peak District National Park. Cement works such as this can emit over 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.
Simon said: “Early morning sunshine. The view from Mam Tor, with Hope Cement Works visible in the distance.”
5) Water shortages in Lake District National Park, by Tony Watson
Lake District National Park is already experiencing more erratic weather patterns. Disastrous floods in 2009 and drought in 2010 are just two examples of extreme weather events. Falling lake levels in summer and poorer water quality as pollutants become more concentrated. Tony captured this scene at Haweswater and shared it with a call to action.
Tony said: “If we don’t take action on climate change, occasional blips and water shortages will become droughts that will blight future generations. Time to act is now.”
To vote for your chosen image, please click HERE.
The winner will see their photos published in Digital Photographer Magazine and our Viewpoint magazine with the possibility of coverage in other national newspapers. They will also receive a subscription to both magazines and, most importantly, will help us to engage more people – including politicians – with the issue of climate change in National Parks.
Laura Williams, Campaign for National Parks’ Campaigns and Communications Manager, said: “Thank you to everyone who entered our photography competition. It was very humbling looking through all of the images to create this shortlist, so many important stories from National Parks throughout England and Wales illustrated by powerful images. The shortlist features a range of brilliant images with thought-provoking captions and now it’s over to you to select the winner!”
The main award and the Young Photographer of the Year award are chosen by a judging panel consisting of CNP’s Chief Executive Rose O’Neill, National Parks photographer and former winner Kieran Metcalfe, Digital Photographer Magazine Editor Lauren Scott and National Geographic Traveller UK Picture Editor Olly Puglisi.