Diamonds in the Landscape Photo Competition 2023

This month sees the launch of a special photography competition to celebrate the 60th anniversary of one of the region's outstanding landscapes.

Designated as a National Landscape in 1964, the Forest of Bowland National Landscape celebrates 60 years next year, and National Landscape Partnership staff are encouraging residents and visitors to share their very own "diamond" memories in photo form.

Bowland is a special place for many people; whether they live in this beautiful area or have visited with family and friends over the decades.

Image by Nigel Cowking - shortlisted in 2022 competition

Hetty Byrne, Sustainable Tourism Officer with the National Landscape said, "The Forest of Bowland is often called a hidden gem and we're sure that many precious memories of the area will have been captured on camera. We'd love people to help us celebrate this special milestone by sharing their 'magic moment' images of Bowland."

The competition will run from 16th October to 20th November 2023, with shortlisted entrants and winners announced at the end of November.

Image by Phil Slade - shortlisted in 2022 competition

Hetty continued, "Images can feature landscapes, wildlife, heritage, people enjoying the National Landscape – whatever makes a particular moment sparkle for you. Autumn is a great time to get out with your camera, but if you don't get chance over the next few weeks, we're also happy to accept photographs taken previously."

 

A longlist of images will be included in a special anniversary exhibition, which will tour locations across Bowland during 2024, and a shortlist of 12 images will feature in print in the new, official Discover Bowland guide.

Local businesses have been generous in prize donations for the final six competition winners. These include

  • 1st Prize: 2-night stay at Laythams Hayloft (low season) kindly donated by Laythams Holiday Lets Retreat
  • 2nd Prize: 9 Course tasting menu in a 3 AA rosette restaurant for two people with a house bottle of wine kindly donated by The Traddock, Austwick
  • 3rd Prize: £50 voucher kindly donated by the Parkers Arms, Newton in Bowland
  • 4th Prize: A family day pass kindly donated by Bowland Wild Boar Park
  • 5th Prize: A Bowland local produce hamper
  • 6th Prize: A 'Thoughts from the Tree' t-shirt kindly donated by Bowland Fitness

Competition entries can be uploaded on the Forest of Bowland National Landscape website at: https://www.forestofbowland.com/diamonds-landscapes-photo-competition-2023  where participants will also find the Terms and Conditions.