14th February 2011

Conservation Group Launches Photo Competition

To encourage the 300,000 residents of the Blackwater Valley to appreciate the stunning scenery it offers, the Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust (BVCT) has launched its first photographic competition to find the Photographer of the Year 2011. 

Chris Bean, BVCT Trustee and experienced photographer, has no doubts about the photogenic qualities of the Valley:

“The Blackwater Valley has some fantastic views - rivers and streams, reed beds and lakes, cottages and farms, bridges and weirs, meadows and fields, pubs and churches, trees and hedgerows - and they all offer opportunities to take exceptional photographs.”

The competition, which is simply to capture ‘Your Favourite View’ of the Valley,  lasts until 31st October - so entrants can choose to take their pictures in winter, spring, summer or autumn, at sunrise, morning, daytime or evening, or at sunset. The permutations for photographers of all abilities – beginners are particularly encouraged – are almost unlimited, whether on the Blackwater Valley path or the sites along it. 

There are two classes of entry – Young Photographer and Adult. The winner in each class will receive a framed and mounted copy of their winning entry and a book token. The two runners-up in each class will get a framed and mounted copy of their entry. Anyone can enter up to three images, and entry is completely free.

The competition is open now, and the winning entries will be judged from a short list at BVCT’s AGM in November 2011. Anyone thinking of entering is advised to check the full details of the competition on the Trust’s website.

END

EDITOR NOTES

• Pictures available.
• The Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust is a charity set up in 2006 to promote the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment of the Blackwater Valley. To find out more visit their website
• The Trust works closely with the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership who have been working in the Valley for since 1979. Watch a video about the Partnership on youtube
• The Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership (BVCP) is funded by the County, District and Parish Councils along the River Blackwater. It works to promote community action in conservation and recreation and to protect the Valley for the enjoyment and well being of the whole community. To find out more visit their website 

For further information please contact:
Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331353.