Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT)
 

National WWT News

Prize-winning photographs capture the wonder of wetlands

Posted on 14 December 2012 by WWT Castle Espie

These prize-winning photographs taken in wetlands capture the beautiful wildlife of one of nature’s most vulnerable ecosystems.

A panel chaired by TV presenter and wildlife photographer Chris Packham judged the Canon/WWT Photography Competition.

Richie Lort from Co Down was awarded Portfolio Photographer of the Year and won the trip-of-a-lifetime to Antarctica. His photographs of WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre on the shores of Strangford Lough were consistently shortlisted in the seasonal heats. On receiving the news, he said:

“I am absolutely amazed and stunned. This is a once in a life time trip and will help me to document the disappearing world. I imagine it will be both amazing and humbling to capture how delicate it is. I would like to thank the staff at WWT Castle Espie who always welcome me and share valuable information in terms of sign posting me to capture such beautiful wildlife.”

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) have seen photography become one of the most popular ways that people engage with nature at their wetland visitor centres. 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 is Chief Executive of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT). He 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.”

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.”

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 a trip to Antarctica, courtesy of Exodus in partnership with Quark Expeditions.

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Only two weeks of the WWT photography competition Spring heat to go!

Posted on 16 May 2012 by WWT Welney
New Build by Nigel Picknell

New Build by Nigel Picknell

These eye-catching new photographs of Britain’s wonderful wildlife show some of the amazing array of wildlife and stunning landscapes that can be seen at WWT’s Welney centre through the seasons.

These are a selection of images from the ever popular Wetland Wildlife category as well as  the winning entries from the previous winter heat of the WWT Photography Competition 2011-2012, held in celebration of the Scott Antarctic Expedition Centenary and in association with Canon.

Spring beauty by Tracey Millburn

Spring beauty by Tracey Millburn

WWT Welney is most famous for the thousands of wintering wildfowl which use the reserve during the coldest season of the year but as is shown in the spring entries now is just as exciting a time.

Despite the popularity of the Wetland Wildlife category we would like to see more entrants in the other three categories which are: Wetland Landscapes, People & Wildlife and Young Photographer.

“Wetlands are well known for their abundance of wildlife”, Julie Ward, Centre Manager of WWT Welney said. “but in the heart of the Fens we also have some amazing landscapes and ‘skyscapes’.  The reserve at Welney allows a whole range of visitors to connect with nature and in such a safe environment, this can be done from a young age.  So I would urge anyone with an interest in photography to visit and capture what our reserve means to them and enter before the spring heat closes”.

With only two weeks to go until the spring heat closes there are not many opportunities to capture the changeable nature of wetlands at WWT Welney.  This will also be the last chance for those that are new to the competition to be in with a chance of winning a trip to Antarctica by entering at least two of the four seasonal heats.

Welney in winter by Ann Miles winter Wetland Landscapes winner

Welney in winter by Ann Miles winter Wetland Landscapes winner

All the heat winners go through to the competition final which will be judged once the winter, spring and summer heats are complete.  The whole competition closes on 31 August 2012. There are £50,000 worth of prizes up for grabs for the national winners, including wildlife photography and activity holidays.

Entrants who submit images to more than two of the seasonal heats automatically go into the Portfolio Photographer of the Year category, and therefore could be in with a chance of winning the ultimate, once-in-a-lifetime trip to Antarctica courtesy of Exodus in partnership with Quark Expeditions.

The summer heat is just around the corner, so now is the time to submit spring stills; photographers can enter their prized pictures taken at WWT Welney online at www.wwt.org.uk/photo until 31 May 2012. Then the summer heat opens 1 June – 31 August 2012 which is when the 2011-2012 competition closes. There will be a prize-giving and winners day at a WWT centre in the autumn.

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Ready, set, go for the wetland Olympics

Posted on 19 March 2012 by WWT Welney

Hares boxing by Simon Stirrup

Hares boxing by Simon Stirrup

Whilst the UK’s sporting elite prepare for the Olympics; nature’s athletes compete for much higher stakes.

The reserve at WWT Welney is now brimming with courtship displays and competitions for territories, so everything is at stake!  From boxing hares to tumbling lapwing, every effort is put into catching the eye of the ladies and successfully raising young.  Visitors can witness these spectacles and many more as the season progresses.

Lapwing displaying by Chris Knights

Lapwing displaying by Chris Knights

Spring is one of the most dramatic seasons of the year at WWT Welney with everyone looking their best and in prime condition to display their unique talents.  Lapwings are the wetland counterparts of the likes of Olympic hopeful, Beth Tweddle, displaying great skill with their aerial acrobatics.  Whilst on the ground female hares box with the overeager males to let them know they need to wait a little longer.

These first signs of spring will shortly be followed by birds of endurance such as the Arctic terns and black-tailed godwits passing through or the common terns and swallows that stay for the summer.  These are the marathon runners of the bird world, some using wetlands in the UK as re-fuelling stations whilst for others WWT Welney is the finish line as they stay for the summer.

Then there are the synchronized swimmers such as the great crested newt whose elaborated courtship dance is solely done beneath the surface of the water.  Visitors can explore underwater habitats from Easter onwards at the pond-dipping stations.

Emma Brand, Events & Marketing Officer for WWT Welney comments “Spring is a fascinating and exciting time to visit wetland reserves and to learn more about the vital role habitats like these play in our lives as well as those of the birds and animals living there”.

“There is always something to see at this time of year as thousands of birds like black-tailed godwits pass through on migration, whilst breeding animals such as hares, lapwing, water voles and avocets take centre stage as the courtship rituals begin”.

WWT Welney is one of the best places to get close to the drama and excitement of wetland wildlife with panoramic views across the Fens from the visitor centre’s cafe.  Whilst over on the reserve six purpose built hides allow views over the Ouse washes wetlands and the recently created dragonfly ponds give visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the sounds of the washes at ground level.

For up-to-date information about the spring spectacular follow WWT Welney on:
Twitter – @WWTWelney
Facebook – WWT Welney

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The winter heat of the WWT Photography Competition is going strong with the deadline looming!

Posted on 25 January 2012 by WWT Welney

The heat is on as the days start to lengthen, which can mean only one thing – there is not much time to enter photos in the winter heat of the WWT photography competition.  Following on from the success of the autumn heat which received an influx of over 2,500 online entries and a staggering 12,800 votes in the People’s Choice category, the next season has much to live up to.  WWT Welney is calling on all nature lovers and photographers to submit their most prized pictures of what winter at this amazing wetlands site means to them, before 29 February 2012 when the winter heat will close.

Winter brings such a lot of activity to the reserve at WWT Welney and can provide some spectacular conditions for photography on those cold but sunny winter days.  Frozen water in the fens can produce serene views and unusual antics such as swans gliding down to land on unfamiliar textures and ducks skidding after grain at the feeds.

Our autumn heat winners had all been announced except the people’s choice category for which voting ran until 31 December 2011.  The photograph which captured people’s imaginations the most was a black and white image called ‘the witches’ corner’ by Hayley Wincott, winner also of the people and wildlife category in the same heat.  Her image of fungi at WWT Welney captured in a unique way managed to attract 294 votes to beat the competition.  All the regional winners for each of the four seasonal heats will go through to the national finals to be held in autumn 2012.

Whilst photographs entered into all the other categories much have been taken at one
of WWT’s nine wetland wildlife centres across the UK,  the World Wetlands category invites entries taken of wetlands large or small, good or bad, from all over the world. These can range from rivers in Rwanda, lakes in Lagos to creeks in Colorado, or even one of the most extreme wetlands in the world, Antarctica. A shortlist will be chosen from this category for each seasonal heat to go on to the national finals.

Finally, to be in with the chance of winning the grand prize of the trip to Antarctica,
entrants must submit at least three or more photographs in at least two or more
seasonal heats. If this criteria is met, the entrant’s ‘portfolio’ will be automatically entered into the Portfolio Photographer of the Year category. At the national finals, each portfolio photographer’s three best photographs (as shortlisted by the judges) will be considered with the winner receiving the Portfolio Photographer of the Year Award and the grand prize of a 12-day fully inclusive trip to Antarctica, courtesy of Exodus in partnership with Quark Expeditions.

The competition is being held in association with Canon, in celebration of the Scott Antarctic Expedition Centenary, and offers an amazing £50,000 worth of fantastic prizes for the national winners, including a grand prize for the Portfolio Photographer category of a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Antarctica courtesy of Exodus in partnership with Quark Expeditions.  Visit www.wwt.org.uk/photo for full details.
For more information, or to enter the competition, visit www.wwt.org.uk/photo. For more information on WWT Welney and the centre’s events visit www.wwt.org.uk/welney.

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Norfolk through the lens – WWT Welney winners of the Autumn heat

Posted on 9 January 2012 by WWT Welney

Swans by Ian Taylor

Norfolk’s Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Centre, WWT, located in Welney has named the four regional winners in the autumn heat of its nationwide photography competition.

From the creative to the cute; keen photographers in and around Norfolk were invited to submit entries for four photography categories in the first seasonal heat of its national competition; WWT Photography Competition (2011 – 2012).
Ian Taylor, a finance worker, aged 27, from Maida Vale, London, was named winner in the Wetland Wildlife category, with his picture entitled ‘Swans’.

Welney at sunset by Albert Horton

Albert Horton, a retired local Government officer, aged 71, from March in Cambridgeshire, was named winner in the Wetland Landscapes category, with his picture entitled ‘Welney at Sunset’.

Hayley Wincott, a  aged  from , was named winner in the Wildlife & People category, with her picture entitled ‘Seeking the Hide’.
And, Karenanne Millburn, aged 15, from Downham Market High School, in Upwell, was named Young Photographer, following her picture submission entitled ‘Emotion’.

Seeking the hide by Hayley Wincott

The competition was open to visitors at the nine WWT wetland centres around the UK.  Julie Ward, Centre manager at local WWT Welney Wetland Centre, said: “We received over 2,500 submissions across the country, but the quality of the entries from these four fantastic winners caught the judges’ eye and really bought our WWT wetland centre to life. The competition encourages people to get really close to all the fantastic wildlife we have here at Welney; and these stunning images show off some of the most elegant and beautiful array of birds and other animals seen within a stunning wetland landscape during the autumn.”

The autumn seasonal winners have each won a place on an acclaimed photography course, held by nature photography experts Wild Arena. Each of the winners will also now go through to the national finals to be held in autumn 2012, where £50,000 worth of prizes are up for grabs including wildlife photography and activity holidays.
As the winner of the Wetland Wildlife Category, Ian Taylor will also be in with the chance to win a three-day bird of prey photography workshop in the Czech Republic if he is voted the national winner.  Though he lives in London, Ian visits the Welney WWT wetlands centre for day trips with his family. Wildlife photography is his hobby, he said: “It can be so difficult to photograph birds in flight. I’d been sat in a hide at the centre waiting for about 40 minutes but nothing was happening. All of a sudden three swans flew up and I was able to get my winning shot. I was just lucky to be in the right place at the right time.”
Winner Albert Horton has held his WWT membership for two years. “I am a keen photographer and have been a member of March’s local camera club for many years. I was really happy with my winning photo as soon as I took it. The conditions and the lighting were ideal, so it was just a case of getting the composition and exposure right.”

Emotion by Karenanne Millburn

Young Photographer winner, Karenanne Millburn, has won the Young Photographer category for the last three years. She has been a WWT member for about five years and typically visits the centre with her Mum. “I usually take around 300 photographs every time I visit the WWT centre. I am so pleased to have won. My winning shot was taken just as the sunset was falling, the sky was moody but the sun was still trying to peep through. I really enjoy taking photos and have just secured a place at City of Norwich College doing photography A Level.”

The winter heat of the competition is now open and photographers can enter their prize pictures taken at WWT centres online at www.wwt.org.uk/photo until 29th February 2012. Entrants are encouraged to enter more than two of the seasonal heats to automatically go into the Portfolio Photographer of the Year category and to be in with a chance of winning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Antarctica.
Julie Ward says, “Our WWT wetland centre isn’t just for budding photographers; it’s for everyone who enjoys nature, wildlife or simply just a great day out. Winter is truly spectacular at WWT’s Welney wetland centre with the well renound swans that the Fens are so famous for.  We have the largest roost site in the UK for bewick’s and whooper swans, so there are some excellent opportuntities to capture the perfect swans-scape.  Especially at dusk visitors can enjoy watching several hundred swans dropping down onto the main lagoon, sometimes as many as up to 1,000 swans at a time. It’s like watching snow falling out of the sky.”
For more information on your local WWT wetland centre, please visit: www.wwt.org.uk/welney.
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National photography winners

Posted on 27 January 2011 by WWT Martin Mere

The national winners were announced for our photography competition on Monday and I am pleased to say Martin Mere had two national winners.

There were six categories this year and each of the nine centres winners went through to a national competition to win some fantastic prizes.

Helen Davies, from Southport, won the Best Wetland Landscape photograph with a picture of the sunset over the mere. She won £600 worth of vouchers for a Tatra Photography landscape course or to use on a wildlife photography workshop in Europe

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Rober Falcon, from Bootle, won the Quirky award with a picture of a coot chick. He has won three smartbox gifts: a family days out, a fun for all and an unusual escapes (combined retail value of over £200)

I am absolutely delighted that we had some national winners because I was so happy with the quality of photographs that we entered into the national awards. I am quite competitive at heart so I do like it when Martin Mere wins national competitions.

The competition should be relaunched this Spring for 2011 so I hope everyone will enter again and we can make the competition a real success.

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