Photographers of all ages are being invited by Cornwall Council to take part in a photo competition celebrating nature in urban spaces across the county.

For the competition, families are being encouraged to explore green spaces in their towns and villages throughout half-term and take pictures of nature within walking distance from their home.

The competition has been launched by the Making Space for Nature project, which aims to bring more wildlife to the green deserts of small, urban public spaces across Cornwall.

As part of the Making Space for Nature project, which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with Cornwall Council and University of Exeter providing match funding, wildlife-friendly plants are being introduced in a number of spaces across the county.

Photos can be submitted on two themes, ‘Urban Wildlife’ and ‘Parks and People’. Pictures can include wild mammals, birds, insects or plant life. However, entrants are asked not to photograph pets or disturb wildlife and make sure you have permission if any people feature in your picture.

Councillor Martyn Alvey, portfolio-holder for Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council, said: “This is a great opportunity for any enthusiastic photographer. I urge families to get out over the school holidays and enjoy what nature has to offer. We have some beautiful parks in our towns and villages which are full of wildlife. I hope this competition encourages more people to go and explore the green spaces in their local area.”

There photos submitted by entrants will be judged by Daro Montag of the University of Falmouth, Cornwall Councillor Peter Marsh, and Rachel Caunter of the University of Exeter.

Submissions will be divided into two age categories: under 16s, and 16 and over. The winner in the under 16 category will receive a bee pot mini concrete planter and solitary bee house from sustainable products for nature maker Green&Blue, while the 16 and over winner will receive an Eden Project pass. The winning pictures will be displayed on the University of Exeter website and used to promote the Making Space for Nature project.

The closing date for entries is Wednesday, June 30, 2021. Winners will be notified by Monday, July 5 and a prize presentation will take place on Friday, July 16, at Castle Park, Liskeard.For further details see https://www.exeter.ac.uk/esi/community/making-space-for-nature/