Two of Britain’s most iconic birds, and the joy of springtime wild garlic in an ancient English woodland are among the winners of the South Downs National Park’s Annual Photo Competition.
Photographer Piers Fearick was a double winner, taking both the first and runner-up prize in the National Park’s ever-popular wildlife category by capturing the beauty of a yellowhammer and wren in the South Downs.
The theme for the main competition was “Stunning Seasons of the South Downs” and judges were treated to an incredible assortment of images showing off the changing landscape, tree-scape, weather and light conditions throughout the year. This year saw a record number of entries, with over 800 photographs.
The competition judges were award-winning photographers Rachael Talibart, Finn Hopson, and Carlotta Luke, Outdoor Photography Deputy Editor Claire Blow, the National Park’s Biodiversity Officer Jan Knowlson, as well as Vanessa Rowlands, Chair of the National Park Authority.
The wildlife category, which was wide open and not tied to the seasons, was one of the highest standards ever in the history of the competition.
About the yellowhammer, Jan said: “It’s one of our great farmland birds in the South Downs that has struggled in recent decades, so it’s wonderful to see the yellowhammer being shown here in all its glory.”
Carlotta said: “The colours are just incredible – yellow on yellow with the gorse! The detail is amazing and the composition is lovely. It looks like the bird is looking at the photographer.”
Regarding the wren image, named “Tiny Bit Tough”, Rachael said: “It’s so beautiful and one of our most characterful birds. I love the detail and how they have even captured a cobweb on the wren’s beak!”
Vanessa added: “These are truly beautiful birds and it would be a travesty if we lost these species from our countryside. It underlines why nature recovery is so important.”
Photographer Piers, who lives near Worthing and wins £150, said: “I’m constantly inspired by the natural environment and in particular the South Downs National Park which I’m very lucky to have on my doorstep. Yellowhammer, with its vibrant plumage, is only intensified with a backdrop of flowering golden gorse.
“The tiny but mighty wren’s loud and proud beautiful song can be heard from many a hedgerow and it’s always a delight to be eyelevel with one.”
There was another double winner with Stuart East, who took the first-place prize for both the spring and winter categories.
His composition of wild garlic beneath ancient trees impressed judges.
Finn said: “This is a very accomplished photograph and a lot of thought has gone into it. It really shows off the joy of spring in our woodlands.”