With just over a week to go before entry for The Big Picture – Greater Thames Photography Competition closes, we are very excited to announce that Mike Dilger, of the BBC’s the One Show, will be judging the My Place in the Picture category.
Mike, who is an ecologist, natural history presenter and writer, is committed to sharing the beauty of nature with a wide audience and does so with great passion. When asked to judge the competition, Mike said,
“An image can be so much more than just a snapshot of your home, it can tell a very personal story. Choosing how to frame a picture to share your ‘feelings’ about a place that is special to you prompts a deeper look at the landscape and creatures we find familiar. Taking part will be a rewarding experience and I look forward to seeing the results of these personal adventures in and around the Estuary”.
The RSPB were delighted to welcome Mike and his crew to North Kent earlier this year to film for Inside Out London. The programme explored the issues surrounding the proposed airport in the Thames Estuary and the threats it could present to some of the UK’s rarest wildlife. Whilst filming at RSPB Cliffe Pools, Mike revelled in awe as he watched the largest murmuration of Black-tailed Godwit he had ever seen float across the landscape before his very eyes! A clip from the programme can be found here http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01tcyfz.
My Place in the Picture asks for entrants to capture the people who appreciate and care deeply for nature in the Greater Thames. Whether it be a photograph of your family enjoying a walk in the park, of conservationists hard at work on the marshes, or even a #natureselfie; we want you to share these special moments with us!
Details of how to enter the competition can be found here http://www.rspb.org.uk/futurescapes/greaterthames/photo-competition.aspx
There’s still time to join us on a Big Picture adventure near you. All events are free, but some may require booking:
Focus on Nature at Priory Park, Southend, Saturday 12th April, 10am – 2pm. We’ll be helping you get closer to nature than ever before. Wildlife photographer James Porter will be on hand to give you his top tips to help you capture that perfect shot! We want to see what the nature in Southend means to you, whether it be a snap of your favourite animal, beautiful scenery or of your family having fun in the Park! Pop by and find the team anytime between 10am and 2pm.
Family Fun at West Canvey Marsh, Tuesday 15th April, 10am – 4pm . We’ll be at West Canvey Marsh all day to meet the next generation of conservationists and nature photographers. Pop by to take part in some exciting activities (including pond dipping!), explore the nature photography trail and discover how you can help us look after wildlife in the Thames. The self-led Big Picture Photography Trail will be accessible to all West Canvey Marsh visitors throughout the Easter holidays.
The Big Picture at Elmley National Nature Reserve, Isle of Sheppey, Friday 18th April, 10am (meet in car park) Join nature photographer Jodie Randall to explore a wildlife wonderland. From hares lolloping across the vast marshland to a sky filled with birds, Elmley’s breathtaking wildlife spectacles are not to be missed by any budding photographer! Booking required.
For more information or to book, please contact Stef Lawrence. Email: Stephanie.Lawrence@rspb.org.uk. Telephone: 07850210039.