Nature through a London lens: prize-winning photographs capture the wonder of wetlands
Left-right: Ramshorn snail – John Doherty, Soldier beetle – Oscar Dewhurst, Sunset over a frozen lake – David Hardman
These prize-winning photographs taken at WWT London Wetland Centre capture the beautiful wildlife of one of nature’s most vulnerable ecosystems. A panel chaired by TV presenter and wildlife photographer Chris Packham judged them to be among the best entries in this year’s Canon / Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) national photography competition.
The winning photos taken at WWT’s London centre are as follows:
- Ramshorn Snail close-up by John Doherty – 2nd place in the Wetland Wildlife category.
- Sunset over a frozen lake by David Hardman – 4th place in the Wetland Landscapes category.
- Soldier Beetle by Oscar Dewhurst – 2nd place in the Young Photographer category.
David Hardman said:
“My picture was taken just before the London Centre closed for the evening. About an hour before I had spotted the swirls on the ice and realised that they would look beautiful in the reflections of the setting sun.”
John Doherty said:
“It was only when I took the photo of the ramshorn snail that I realised how beautiful it was in colour and texture. Hopefully my photo might encourage visitors to give the ponds a closer look when next they visit the London Wetland Centre.”
WWT have seen photography become one of the main ways that people engage with nature at their wetland visitor centres, and with its stunning scenery and easy access to wildlife it is not surprising that the London Wetland Centre is extremely popular with photographers.
The Canon/WWT Photography Competition gives photographers a place to share the beauty and fragility of wetlands, while recognising the very best talent. Wetlands are any areas where the ground remains wet for long periods. They have been centres of human civilisation throughout history and they are home to specially-adapted wildlife. Wetlands are essential to life on Earth. Not only do they control erosion, prevent flooding and influence the climate, they provide and clean the water we drink and use to grow food
Martin Spray, WWT Chief Executive said:
“In the last century alone, half the world’s inland wetlands have been lost. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so we asked photographers to showcase some of the rich diversity of wildlife that depend on wetlands. We are delighted with the response and very pleased to announce the winners.”
The Canon/WWT Photography competition 2011-12 has been held in celebration of the centenary of the Scott Antarctic Expedition. WWT was founded by the son of Captain Scott and this year's grand prize is an once-in-a-lifetime trip to Antarctica, courtesy of Exodus in partnership with Quark Expeditions.
Lee Bonniface, Country Director, Canon UK Consumer Imaging, said:
“We’re delighted to partner with the WWT for their 2012 photography competition. It has attracted a stunning array of entries which illustrate, through the power of image, the vital role that our wetlands play in providing a habitat to some of Britain’s most stunning and rare wildlife species. At Canon, we have a philosophy of ‘living and working together for the common good’ and we hope that this competition will inspire more people to take up photography and visit their local wetland centre.”
