National Park’s Picture-perfect prizegiving

A prize giving event was hosted at Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Headquarters on Friday 18 November 2011 for winners of the ‘Capturing Dartmoor’ photographic competition, which ran earlier this year.

The winners and their guests received a warm welcome from the National Park Authority’s Chief Executive, Kevin Bishop and were then treated to an interesting and insightful presentation on how to take great photographs by professional landscape photographer, Adrian Oakes.

Maurice Retallick, Deputy Chairman for Dartmoor National Park Authority presented the winners with their prizes, which had been donated from local businesses.  The first prize of a full day photography workshop with Adrian Oakes went to David Hixon.  Second prize of a large canvas wrap from South West Colour Laboratories went to Alan Pewsey and third prize of £60 worth of vouchers from Mifsuds Photography Supplies went to David Lee.

Helen Jenny, Member of Dartmoor National Park Authority and retired teacher with thirty two years teaching experience, presented the Under 18s Award.  The winner, Tim Baber, received  a large canvas print of his photograph donated by South West Colour Laboratories. He was also presented with a special framed photograph as a gift for his school, South Dartmoor Community College, Ashburton.

The three Highly Commended prize winners - Peter Bailey, Ron Quilter and Andy Cole – each received a copy of the new book by Andrew Cooper, Dartmoor – A celebration of its people, places and wildlife. The book was specially commissioned by the National Park Authority to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the creation of Dartmoor National Park this year.

‘The photographic competition was launched as part of Dartmoor National Park’s 60th Anniversary celebrations as we wanted to capture those special qualities that abound in this wonderful landscape’ explained Jackie Ridley, the competition organiser. ‘We were so pleased with the response to this competition – we had over 400 entries – that we are planning to launch another one for 2012 with a Winning Landscapes theme.’

Full details of the new photographic competition will be announced in Spring 2012.

All the competition entries can be viewed in an online gallery on Dartmoor National Park Authority’s web site.

Ends

For further information

Jackie Ridley, Promotion and Development Officer

Mike Nendick, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority

Tel: (01626) 832093

Notes for Editors

Western Morning News’ photographer, Richard Austin, and landscape photographer, Adrian Oakes judged 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. 

The standard of entries was so high that an additional three photographs were chosen for a Highly Commended award.

Over 40 entries were received in the under 18 category. 

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.

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. Visit www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk and click on About us/ 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 at www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk

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.