Fun in the Forest

Photo Competition

Calling all budding photographers, the Forestry Commission is looking for entries in to a photographic competition based around Haldon Forest Park near Exeter, Devon.

The competition is entitled ‘Fun in the Forest’. Entries need to be photographs of people out and about and having fun at Haldon Forest Park.  This could include images of people walking, cycling, swinging through the trees on Go Ape, riding through the forest on a Segway, or simply sitting and relaxing with a picnic or a flask of tea.  All entries need to be made to the designated Flickr page or by email to gemma.ingall@forestry.gsi.gov.uk by 5pm on Friday 29 June 2012.

There are two age group categories, one for over 16s and one for under 16s.  The photos will be judged by independent photographer Adrian Oakes.  Adrian will be looking for shots that really demonstrate what Haldon means to different people and pictures that show people enjoying the forest environment.

Adrian is a professional landscape and contemporary photographer based in Exmouth, Devon where he lives with his family.  He has kindled a great love and respect for Devon over the last twenty five years since relocating to the county in 1987 and more recently has focused on photographing its diverse landscapes and rich history.  His website is www.adrianoakes.com.

People can enter the competition on a designated page http://www.flickr.com/groups/haldonphotocompetition/

The overall winner in the over 16s category will win a one-to-one workshop with Adrian at Haldon Forest Park as well as a copy of their winning image on superb canvas and a Haldon Forest Park Discovery Pass. The under 16s Winner will receive a large Canvas and Discovery Pass.

Two runners up in each category will also receive either a canvas or large mounted print of their image and a Discovery Pass.

Adrian Oakes says: “This is a very exciting competition and I am pleased to be assisting the Forestry Commission by judging the entries. I know Haldon Forest well and just how beautiful and enjoyable the area is. I look forward to seeing all your varied and interesting images”

 Toby Bowen-Scott, Haldon Forest Park Manager says: “We know that Haldon is used by many different people for many different pursuits and we wanted to encourage people to send us their snaps showing us what the forest means to them.  We also wanted to invite people who may not know Haldon very well, but who do enjoy photography to give it a go and discover all the fun that can be had in the forest.   We hope to be able to use some of the images to promote the park on marketing literature in the future too.”

Entrants are advised to read the full Terms and Conditions available on the Flickr page before submitting their entries.