Snap up a nature prize

With its mission of exploring, conserving and explaining the world of plants for a better future, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) places importance on encouraging greater public engagement with nature.

From now until the end of October, the rallying call is to take your camera out and about – wherever you are – and send the results for entry in a prestigious new photography competition.

From Scrabster to Scremerston, entries are being sought from around Britain and beyond for the Friends of RBGE Photography Competition 2018.

With seven categories ranging from Plant Portrait and Abstract to Young Photographer, for under 17-year-olds, there should be something of interest for every photographer.

While images of the organisation’s own four gardens are welcome, there is no obligation for them to be included in entries as this year’s competition has no geographic boundaries.

With a top prize of £1,000 and category wins of £250, the competition is being supported by Brewin Dolphin, Bonaccord and Jessops. Its aim is to attract amateur and professional photographers whether or not they already know RBGE and its work.

The 2018 photography competition is now open for entries and runs until October 31. All funds raised will be used to support the garden’s world-class research and horticulture conservation work in Britain and more than 30 countries.

As well as the top prize of £1,000 and individual category prizes of £250, all shortlisted entries will appear in an exhibition at RBGE’s Edinburgh site in early 2019 and there will be opportunities for winning entries to be part of RBGE’s 350th anniversary year calendar in 2020 as well as images being transferred into canvasses by Jessops. To enter and find all terms and conditions visit Photography at www.rbge.org.uk