Picturing the effects of global warming

How are national parks affected by climate change? Photographers are being asked for their images

KNational parks have a key role to play in the green recovery ANITA KONRAD, CAMPAIGN FOR NATIONAL PARKS

EEN photographers are being asked to demonstrate in a picture the impact of climate change on our national parks.

Following the release of its report, National Parks and the Climate Emergency, the Campaign for National Parks (CNP) has revealed the theme of its annual photography competition will be the effects of global warming on these wild and special spaces.

Both professional and amateur photographers are invited to submit striking images of both the impact of climate change and steps taken to address it on Dartmoor, Exmoor and in other national parks in England and Wales.

This year the competition is being run in partnership with Digital Photographer magazine. The contest takes place in the run-up to COP26 where world leaders come together in Glasgow to thrash out policies to tackle climate change.

The Campaign for National Parks is dedicated to protecting and promoting all 13 parks in England and Wales.

The charity’s chief executive Anita Konrad said: “National parks have a key role to play in a green recovery. Landscapes feel the impact of climate change, but also have huge potential to mitigate against these changes – benefiting nature, people and climate.

“For this year’s photography competition, we are looking for images which illustrate either the impact of climate change, or the role that national parks in England and Wales can, and do, play in tackling climate change. We want to use striking images to connect people with how the climate emergency affects national parks and the work under way to address this.”

The competition, which is now open for entries, includes three categories:

Campaign for National Parks Photographer of the Year (21 years+)

Young Photographer of the Year (under 21 years old)

People’s Choice Award: Best Phone Photograph

Winners for the main and young photographer categories will be chosen by a judging panel, while the

People’s Choice award will go to a public vote in October.

All winners will see their work published in Digital Photographer magazine and CNP’s Viewpoint magazine with the possibility of coverage in other publications.

Ms Konrad added: “We want people to understand the impact of climate change in our national parks, while showcasing the immense photography talent we know exists in national parks up and down England and Wales.

“Not just established photographers, but also the next generation – and those who may not have SLR cameras, but enjoy taking photos on their smartphone. We’re excited to see what submissions we receive.”

Deadline for entries is October 1, 2021. For details see: www.cnp.org. uk/photography-competition

Janet Williams Dartmoor ponies beside Drake’s Leat near Burrator Reservoir