23 March 2009

Stunning wildlife images showcased at nature reserve

Butterflies and birds, sunsets and sedges all feature in an exhibition at the RSPB Ouse Washes reserve in Cambridgeshire of over 40 winning and highly commended images in the ‘Fens through a Lens’ photography competition.

Organised jointly by the Museum of Zoology (Cambridge), RSPB and the Wildlife Trust, the aim of the competition was to capture the special beauty of our local fenland nature reserves and their wildlife.

Categories for entries included ‘On the Wing’ and ‘Dawn to Dusk’ and photographs were taken at reserves from Lakenheath Fen in Suffolk and Ouse Washes Reserve in Cambridgeshire to Woodwalton and Holme Fen, part of the Great Fen Project, in Huntingdonshire.

Chair of judges, prize-winning professional wildlife photographer Chris Gomersall, said “Over 300 entries, many of a very high standard, meant some very tough decisions for the judging panel. Overall the sheer range of images on display show what a wealth of fantastic wildlife we have on our doorstep. I hope the exhibition will encourage even more people to get out and explore it for themselves.”

Jacqui Grafton, winner of the ‘Close Up’ category with a stunning portrait of a small skipper butterfly, said “This was our first visit to RSPB Lakenheath Fen. We had a lovely day out and then to win the competition as well just made it perfect. This is the first competition I have ever entered, as well.”

Images by young photographers aged from 8 to 18 taken at school and college workshops led by Chris Gomersall are also on show in the exhibition. ‘Alice age 9 from Somersham Primary School said ‘’I really enjoyed going for a walk with a camera and taking pictures of the wildlife”. Helen Moore, Education and Community Officer with the Wildlife Trust added, “The competition has been a great opportunity to encourage young people to get out with their cameras and explore our nature reserves. “

The Fens through a Lens exhibition runs 4 to 30 April 2009 at the visitor centre on the Ouse Washes reserve. During the exhibition, the visitor centre is open 9.00 to 17.00 daily. Admission free.