Volunteers across Nottingham are being urged to get snapping for a new competition launched by Defra and Kew Gardens today.
Defra and Kew's International Garden Photographer of the Year Competition have joined forces to find the first Conservation Volunteering Photographer of the Year. The competition is launched today by Defra minister for Wildlife and Conservation Huw Irranca-Davies.
Almost a quarter of a million volunteers are regularly getting out and about in towns, parks, the countryside and forests to help conserve our precious natural green spaces and England's wildlife. To celebrate this work, and to get ready for 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity, the photo competition aims to capture the fun and enjoyment that comes from volunteering and taking part outside in England.
Mr Irranca-Davies, who was snapped whilst helping to clear the banks of the Thames with Thames21, said:
"I'd encourage anyone to have a go at conservation volunteering - you could be doing anything from clearing a pond, building a dry stone wall or footpath or making a bird house.
"While you're out doing your bit, getting some fresh air and getting active, why not take a photo to capture your experience and enter it into our competition?
"You don't need to be an expert photographer to take part - just take a picture that sums up the fun you had helping to conserve English wildlife or nature"
The competition, which launches Defra's MuckIn4Life campaign, is open to anyone living and undertaking conservation volunteering in England. There are great prizes of vouchers to be won in several categories and there will be one overall national winner and one overall under 16 years winner as well as regional winners around the country. Winners will also have their photos displayed in a public exhibition at Kew Gardens.
MuckIn4Life is the Defra campaign which supports the Department of Health's Change4Life campaign and is supported by a wide range of environmental stakeholders. It encourages biodiversity by highlighting the fun and enjoyment which comes from being active and volunteering outdoors in the fresh air to help conserve wildlife, landscapes, parks, gardens and other green spaces.
Eddie Curry, head of parks and open spaces for Nottingham City Council, welcomed the new campaign and competition. He said: "The city has been working hard to improve our public spaces and parks in recent times but we would not succeed without the support and dedication of many volunteers. MuckIn4Life is a great way to encourage more people to get involved in rewarding and healthy volunteer work and to recognise the contributions of those who give their time and expertise."
Entries to the competition can be sent in via the Kew International Garden Photographer of the Year competition and the competition is open until November 2009.
Shortlisted entries will be announced around Christmas time and the winning photos will be announced in Spring 2010. The winning photos will form part of the open air exhibition, showing in outdoor venues around the country, starting with Kew in the Spring of next year.
