11 October 2011

Special qualities of Dartmoor captured on camera

Western Morning News photographer, Richard Austin, and landscape photographer, Adrian Oakes have just finished judging over 400 entries for Dartmoor National Park Authority’s 60th anniversary photographic competition, ‘Capturing Dartmoor.’

Photographers were asked to capture the special qualities of Dartmoor – its natural beauty, cultural heritage and wildlife. Both Richard and Adrian commented on the high standard of images submitted which made judging particularly difficult.  

‘We spent hours deliberating over the photographs’, explained Richard, ‘but what sets the winning entries apart is how they have captured the sense of place and illustrated how the photographer has waited for just the right moment.’

The winning entry of four ponies huddled together was submitted by David Hixon, who will join Adrian Oakes on a full day landscape photography workshop.

   

The second prize of a large canvas from South West Colour Labs goes to Alan Pewsey for his image of horse riders on Hameldown.

The third prize of £60 worth of vouchers to use at Mifsuds photographic supplies is awarded to David Lee for his image ‘Golden Rubble.’

 

Over 40 entries were received in the under 18 category.  The winning entry, a sunset by Tim Baber, will receive a large canvas from South West Colour Labs.

‘The standard of entries was so high that an additional three photographs were chosen for a Highly Commended award,’ explained Adrian Oakes.  The winners – Andy Cole, Peter Bailey and Ron Quilter – will all receive copies of the new book by Andrew Cooper celebrating Dartmoor’s 60th anniversary, entitled Dartmoor – A celebration of its people, places and wildlife.

All the competition entries can be viewed in an online gallery on Dartmoor National Park Authority’s web site www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk (go to About Us and follow the links to ‘Capturing Dartmoor’).

Ends

For further information

Jackie Ridley, Promotion and Development Officer
Mike Nendick, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority
Tel: (01626) 832093

Notes for Editors

In 1949 the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act was passed and the first UK National Parks were designated in 1951. Dartmoor was designated in October that year, the fourth area of land in the UK to receive National Park status. This year Dartmoor National Park celebrates its 60th anniversary.

To find out more about this wonderful place, visit the Dartmoor National Park Authority website or take a look at Enjoy Dartmoor, the new-look free publication designed to help you make the most out of your time in the National Park.  Pick up a copy from a National Park Information Centre - or see it online. There really is something for everyone to enjoy.

Dartmoor National Park Authority’s purposes under the Environment Act 1995 are:
•    to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park;
•    to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area by the public.

In carrying out this work, we are also required to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the National Park.

Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are available on the Authority's web site.You can receive an e-mail notification each time a News Release is issued by the Dartmoor National Park Authority. Subscribe to Dartmoor National park Authority News.

For News Releases from all UK National Parks visit www.nationalparks.gov.uk (external website, opens new window)

For maps, guide books, trail guides, clothing and other Dartmoor merchandise visit Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Online Shop

There are 15 members of the National Parks family in the UK: Brecon Beacons, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, New Forest, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, South Downs, Yorkshire Dales, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, the Cairngorms and the Broads.  National Parks are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment.  However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers.  Over 34,500 people live in Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.