Lives are better connected to nature – the 2020 National Parks photo competition launches: inspired by nature.

Campaign for National Parks, the National Parks charity, has joined with the UK’s 15 National Parks to launch the annual photography competition following a viral response to the 2019 competition.

Anyone can join in the competition by submitting images around the theme of Inspired by Nature by Friday 21 February.

Connecting with nature can inspire us in all sorts of ways – to create beautiful art, to change our lives for the better, to help others share our experience or even to protect and enhance what’s special about the landscapes and environments around us.

But nature is also in crisis. We must find a way to look after it and bring it closer to our lives. National Parks are at the very heart of this. Campaign for National Parks is committed to improving nature in the National Parks and has called for a radical re-think of the way conservation is undertaken in the Parks so that nature may thrive in beautiful landscapes.

Pictures from the 2019 competition were featured across the media, celebrating 70 years of National Parks, with Kieran Metcalfe taking home the top prize with a stunning “tolkeinesque” picture of the Peak District. The dazzling pictures also included a swooping owl over the Pembrokeshire Coast and a spectacular starry night in Snowdonia.

“Dragons Back” by Kieran Metcalfe, Peak District National Park. Winner of the 2019 Campaign for National Parks’s Moment in Time photography competition

John Packman, Chief Executive of the Broads Authority said: “This is an excellent opportunity to get outside, get inspired by nature and share some of the magical moments that make our National Parks so special.”

A spectacular shot of birds in flight in the Broads, a runner up of the 2019 competition by Helen Storer.

Corinne Pluchino, Chief Executive of Campaign for National Parks said: “I would encourage everyone to get involved, whether you have taken a quick selfie or you take photos regularly. There’s a truly extraordinary world of nature right on the doorstep and an excellent way of discovering something new about the National Parks.”

To be eligible photographers should use #Inspiredbynaturecomp across Twitter, Facebook or Instagram to submit their photo before the deadline of Friday 21st February for a chance to win. Or email your picture to info@cnp.org.uk

Applicants should go to https://www.cnp.org.uk/photography-competition for full terms and conditions and further details.