Dartmoor National Park Authority
20 May 2009
Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards 2009
The search for the UK’s Landscape Photographer of the Year for 2009 has begun. Following the huge success and popularity of previous years, entrants have until 15 July to enter the ‘Take a view’ Awards by submitting their photographs of the British landscape.
Unlike many other photographic competitions, ‘Take a view’ celebrates the United Kingdom only, offering photographers worldwide the opportunity to showcase their images of this richly diverse country. From salt marshes, chalk cliffs and ancient woodland to historic villages, parklands and cityscapes, this Award aims to highlight the positive interaction between people and places that is so important for us all.
The idea of renowned landscape photographer, Charlie Waite, ‘Take a view’ offers a total prize fund of £20,000, including £10,000 for the overall winner. The 2009 exhibition of winning and commended entries will again be held, over a seven-week period, at the National Theatre in London. With landscape being one of the most popular styles of photography, it is hardly surprising that more than 70,000 people enjoyed the 2008 event. Charlie Waite says of ‘Take a view’, I am confident that, as ‘Take a view’ embarks on its third year, it is now clearly embedded into our consciousness. People are photographing more than ever before and, if ever there was a good time to get out with a camera and to use its wonderful creative potential to help us to engage with our surroundings, it has to be now.
Over recent weeks, Waite has been working closely with two of the protectors of England’s landscape and is delighted to announce that that the 2009 Awards have the support of Natural England and the English National Park Authorities. He believes that this is the synergy that the competition needs. To be supported by those who work hard to ensure that the country is managed in the best possible way for the future is such a good match. Only by being aware of what can be lost and the actions we can take, can we be sure that our landscape remains our most precious asset.
Dr Helen Phillips, CEO of Natural England, says, Our landscapes are more than just attractive scenery - they tell a vivid story of how, for centuries, the natural environment and human settlement have influenced each other. They form a vital part of our cultural identity, they inspire art and literature, and provide millions with spiritual fulfilment and places to relax and enjoy. Healthy landscapes give us essential resources such as food and water, provide a living for us and habitats for wildlife, and regulate our changing climate.
She continues: This competition is an important initiative to help people value and appreciate the enormous variety of landscapes in this country and the many challenges that they face. All landscapes matter – to people and to wildlife – and every photograph entered for this competition has the chance to emphasise this.
The 2009 book of winning entries will be launched at the opening of the ‘Take a view’ exhibition, in the superb surroundings of the National Theatre on London’s South Bank. The competition has now become an annual event that reflects the heart and spirit of Britain. All entries must be uploaded via the competition website, www.take-a-view.co.uk (external link, opens new window) and the closing date is 15 July 2009. Entry fees apply. Full terms and conditions can be found on the site.
Ends
Notes to editors:
Contact: Diana Leppard
Images from the 2008 Awards are available to support this press release
on request from info@take-a-view.co.uk
National Parks and protected areas
This year is an important one; a celebration of 60 years of protected countryside, our Diamonds in the Landscape. The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act was a law passed in 1949. It established how the countryside could be protected and enjoyed by future generations. The 1949 Act paved the way for the creation of today's family of UK National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), National Nature Reserves and National Trails.
Visit www.diamondsinthelandscape.org.uk/ (external link, opens new window)
Natural England – For people, for places, for wildlife
Natural England is an independent public body that acts to protect and improve England’s natural environment and to encourage people to enjoy and interact with it. It provides practical advice, grounded in science, on how to safeguard England’s natural wealth and ensure that it can adapt and survive intact for future generations to enjoy. Its responsibilities include:
Reducing the decline of biodiversity in England
Visit www.naturalengland.org.uk/ (external link, opens new window)
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Page updated 19 May 2009
