Winner revealed in breath-taking photo competition to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of National Parks

Contributor information: CNP

15 February 2019

The UK National Parks and Campaign for National Parks are delighted to announce the winner, runners up and shortlist for our joint photography competition to celebrate the 70th anniversary of National Parks in the UK.

Around the theme of a ‘Moment in time’, this competition is 70 years since the 1949 Act of Parliament that began the family of National Parks in the UK, that today includes beloved landscapes such as the Peak District, Brecon Beacons and Loch Lomond.

The winning shot, from graphic designer Kieran Metcalfe, depicts a tolkein-esque landscape in the Peak District National Park. Kieran said: “I was thrilled to hear the image had been shortlisted, but I’m completely bowled over at it being selected by the judges as the overall winner. It’s a real encouragement for me as a landscape photographer that they felt the image captured something of the spirit of the UK’s National Parks, especially for the 70th anniversary.”

Winner: Kieran Metcalfe's dragon and flame

The dragon and the Flame by Kieran Metcalfe, Peak District National Park, winner of the 2019 Moment in Time photo competition.

Almost 1,500 pictures were submitted to the competition by people via social media, sharing moments when they were out exploring the incredible heritage sites, wildlife and landscapes of the UK’s 15 National Parks.

Carl Lis, Chairman of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, speaking on behalf of the UK National Parks said: “It has been a fantastic month seeing all the stunning images that people have taken capturing all sorts of special moments in National Parks – from birds in flight and riders on the beach, to the milky way at night and happy family times.”

“People have really got into the spirit of the competition and we would like to thank everyone who took part – it was excruciating choosing our winner and finalists. We would encourage everyone to keep going out snapping, it’s a lovely way to celebrate of the 70th anniversary of the UK’s beautiful National Parks.”

Never give up by Gareth Mon

Never Give Up by Gareth Mon, Snowdonia National Park. Runner up.

Andrew Hall of Campaign for National Parks, the national charity dedicated to the English and Welsh National Parks, said: “Kieran and all the photographers have done an incredible job capturing the glory of the National Parks. These are diverse, living landscapes with so much going on and that’s been reflected in the diversity of the competition; from pie-eating selfies in the Lake District, to the haunting beauty of caves in the Brecon Beacons.

70 years on from the act of Parliament that created them, National Parks have never been so important. They provide us clean air, peace of mind and stunning beauty. I hope this competition will encourage all to get out and get exploring the National Parks.”

Judges shortlisted pictures from a variety of the UK’s National Parks, including an owl flying over heather in the Pembrokeshire Coast and a snow-scape in the Cairngorms National Parks.

The winner will receive a feature spread in Campaign for National Parks’ membership magazine, Viewpoint. Become a friend of Campaign for National Parks to receive your copy!

Shortlisted photo by Helen Storer