Winners of The British Wildlife Photography Awards 2011

Now in its third year, the acclaimed BWPA competition has created another stunning showcase of British wildlife.

The winning image of a jellyfish was captured by Richard Shucksmith. His photo was taken at Sula Sgeir (meaning Gannet Rock) a small uninhabited Scottish island, 41 miles north of Lewis. The inhospitable area is home to exposed islands sustaining an astounding variety of marine life. The remoteness of these islands, as well as the challenge that comes with visiting them, makes Richard’s incredible photo all the more special.

Greg Armfield, Photography and Film Manager from WWF said “A truly beautiful shot of a jellyfish that perfectly captures its iridescent colours and magical qualities. All the more remarkable that it exists in UK waters. Fantastic.”

Competition judge Paul Wilkinson, Head of Living Landscape for The Wildlife Trusts, said “We are delighted to see how many people from around the UK were inspired by the competition to explore nature in their local area. This year’s entries reflected a real passion, and affection, for local wildlife. This competition is a special opportunity to give the natural world that surrounds us the recognition, and reverence, it deserves.”

The Winners are:

1. BRITISH WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER, (prize £5,000)

Richard Shucksmith, Jellyfish in the Blue Sea of Sula Sgeir, Scotland

2. YOUNG BRITISH WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHERS (prize £500 and £300)

Oliver Wilks, fox yawning (aged 16)
Walter Lovell, frog with spawn (aged 8)

3. CATEGORY WINNERS (£1,000 worth of prizes from Canon)

COAST AND MARINE, Richard Shucksmith, “Jellyfish in the Blue Sea of Sula Sgeir”

ANIMAL PORTRAITS, Mark Smith “Mystical Mist, Fallow Deer

HABITAT, Ian Paul Haskell “Hare in Morning Light with Hoar Frost”

ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR, Andrew Parkinson “Grey Heron Walking on Water”

URBAN WILDLIFE, David Biggs “Champagne Starling”

WILDLIFE IN MY BACKYARD, Rana Dias “Busy Wasp on Blackberries”

HIDDEN BRITAIN, Leslie Holburn “Scorpion Fly on a Leaf”

LIVING LANDSCAPES:
Connectivity, Graham Eaton “Llyn Idwal – War and Peace”

BRITISH SEASONS, Ross Hoddinott “Summer Insects”

DOCUMENTARY SERIES, Neil Aldridge “Its Only a Game”

WILDLIFE ON VIDEO, Mark Sisson “Great Crested Grebe Family”

Winning Video can be viewed here: link http://vimeo.com/29395313

Exhibition
BWPA are delighted that the touring exhibition of around 70 images will launch this year at the very first WildlifeXpo http://www.wildlifexpo.com , which takes place on the 14th and 15th October at Alexandra Palace, London. The exhibition continues until 28th October.
A year-long tour of the exhibition will follow throughout England, Scotland and Wales. For full details of the nationwide tour visit: http://www.bwpawards.org/page/exhibitions

Competition
For more detailed information about the competition, including how to enter, list of categories, shooting tips, and terms & conditions, please visit the competition website: www.bwpawards.co.uk.

Alum –The Magic Mineral at Loftus Town Hall

Have you ever been in Loftus Town Hall? Do you know why Alum was so important in East Cleveland? Do you know who Lewis Hunton is? These are just 3 questions which you will be able to answer if you visit Loftus Town Hall this weekend as part of Heritage Open days. Tees Valley Wildlife Trust and Loftus Town council are hosting the event as part of this national event and as part of a Heritage lottery funded project “Alum, Alchemy and ammonites”.

Loftus Town Hall was built in 1879 for the growing local population and you will be able to see artefacts related to the history of the building and local council display. Come and view the special Heritage Open day exhibition, highlighting the important role of the Alum industry in the development of the town. There will be a quiz, colouring and games for children.

Loftus Town Hall is situated at the junction of Loftus High Street and Water Lane and will be open for Thursday 8th September until Sunday 11th September form 10.30-16.30 for more details about this and other open days visit http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/home/.

Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. Every year on four days in September, buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors, ranging from castles to factories, town halls to tithe barns, parish churches to Buddhist temples. It is a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring to life local history and culture.
For more information about the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust visit website

The Alum, Alchemy and Ammonites project was a two year project which has worked to raise the profile of the unique legacy of the alum Industry of East Cleveland. This was done through a series of walks, talks working with school groups and public exhibitions as well as this travelling exhibition for more information visit http://www.tvrigs.org.uk/home-page/alum-alchemy-ammonites.