Finalists have been announced for our photography competition which celebrates the Heritage Trees, woods and wildlife of Greater Manchester.
City of Trees, alongside the RSPB and Lancashire Wildlife Trust, has announced the finalists for their photography competition and is asking you to vote for your favourite image in each of the four categories.
Beth Kelsall, City of Trees, comments “Entrants in their hundreds have been getting out in the great outdoors capturing some of the region’s great green spaces, and the creatures living within it.
“We have some fantastic entries showcasing the wealth of woodlands and wildlife across the Greater Manchester region and we’re urging the public to vote for their chosen shot”.
The competition was open to both budding amateurs and pro snappers, showcasing both urban and rural settings, highlighting the importance of the City region’s parks, open spaces, woodlands and trees.
The top three images in each of the four categories; Terrific Trees; Woodland Wildlife; Fantastic Forests and Connecting communities; have been shortlisted by the judges, with the public deciding the winner in each category.
The shortlisted shots range from a frosty park in Wythenshawe, to early autumn in Wigan, as well as showcasing some of our beautiful British birds.
The RSPB and Lancashire Wildlife Trust helped to judge the Woodland Wildlife category. Jenny Hackland from the RSPB said: “The quality of the photos submitted were just outstanding. It was amazing to see such a range of species - both familiar and unusual - which demonstrates how important our local woodlands and green spaces are for wildlife.
“Each photo depicts a special moment in nature, captured with a real eye for detail. I am sure these images will inspire others to get outside and see what wildlife they can discover!”
Above: Finalist in the Woodland Wildlife category, Blue Tit taken in Fletcher Moss, Didsbury.
Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s Alan Wright said: “The standard of the wildlife entry was really high and, with pictures of deer, all kinds of birds and insects and a Highland cow, it highlights the huge variety of wildlife we have in our woodlands. Our entrants are obviously proud of the creatures they have on their doorstep.”
The winning entries will receive photography vouchers, a coffee table book, and an RSPB ‘Home for Nature’ and Garden Wildlife Handbook, as well as a goody bag.
The competition forms part of City of Trees’ Heritage Trees project which aims to celebrate, record and protect our local tree heritage - the trees, woodlands, hedgerows and orchards which are part of the fabric of our towns and cities.
You can vote for your favorite image at www.heritagetrees.org.uk/photo-finalists, with the vote closing on Sunday 13 November.