THE winners of the young photographers’ South Downs National Park competition have been revealed.
The theme of the 2022/2023 competition was “Near and Far” and judges were looking for amazing images that capture the National Park in intricate detail, as well as sweeping shots of the landscape.
In the 11 to 17 category, 13-year-old Felix Walker-Nix, submitted two photographs that were highly commended, including an image of a hare at Chilcomb and a picture of a pair of herons along the Weirs by the River Itchen Winchester.
But it was 16-year-old Billy Evans-Freke who took the top spot with an image of an egret ruffling its feathers as the sun broke through the clouds at Cuckmere Haven.
READ MORE: South Downs National Park: Dark skies photography winners
Billy, who wins a Forest Segway experience at Go Ape, said: “Oh wow I can’t believe it. This is my first competition win so it really means a lot.”
Winning the 10 years and under category is nine-year-old Dylan Coakes with some macrophotography showcasing the chalk that lies below. The chalk of the South Downs was formed by marine deposits laid down when this part of Britain was covered by warm, tropical seas between 65 and 100m years ago, during the Cretaceous period.
Dylan, who received a den-building kit, said: “I didn’t think I would win, I’m really excited. I love taking photographs and I love nature too.”
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