Winning West marsh image shows role nature recovery plays in climate crisis
THIS stunning image of Porlock Marsh in Exmoor helped a Somerset photographer to win the Campaign for National Parks’ annual photography competition.
The contest attracted stark images of extreme weather, wildlife in decline and pollution were accompanied by images of hope and nature recovery.
Following the release of CNP’s
National Parks and the Climate Emergency report in June, this year’s competition focused on documenting climate change in National Parks.
Exmoor-based photographer Shaun Davey won over the judges with his stunning image of sunset on Porlock Marsh in Exmoor National Park to be crowned the overall winner.
“Porlock Marsh is a salt marsh on the Exmoor coast,” said Shaun.
“The marsh is only 25 years old; it was previously agricultural land. It was formed when Exmoor National Park Authority and the National Trust took the controversial decision to ‘let nature take its course’ when the shingle ridge protecting the area from the sea was breached in a storm in 1996. The marsh is now a haven for wildlife and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and an outstanding location for photographers, walkers and birdwatchers.”
The judging panel, made up of CNP chief executive Rose O’Neill, Digital Photographer magazine editor Lauren Scott, National Geographic Traveler picture editor Olly Puglisi and National Parks photographer and previous winner Kieran Metcalfe, were unanimous in their decision. They praised both the technical brilliance of the photo – composition and lighting – and the powerful story it was sharing, one which perfectly illustrates the role that nature recovery has to play in the climate crisis.
To see the full shortlist visit www. cnp.org.uk