North West volunteers urged to snap up a prize and get active in nature

North West volunteers are being urged to get snapping for a new competition launched by Defra and Kew Gardens. 

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 was launched by Defra minister for Wildlife and Conservation Huw Irranca-Davies and includes regional prizes for seniors and under 16s.

Almost a quarter of a million volunteers are regularly getting out and about in the North West's 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 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 is part of 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 senior and under- 16 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.

Entries to the competition can be sent in via the Kew International Garden Photographer of the Year competition at www.igpoty.com 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.

There are lots of different ways to get involved in volunteering with Cheshire Wildlife Trust, from one off events to regular volunteering sessions, in locations right across the Cheshire region. For more information take a look at our volunteer opportunities page.