The winner of our Heligan Wildlife Photography Competition
23rd July 2012
The Lost Gardens of Heligan are pleased to announce the winner of their year-long Wildlife Photography Competition. Starting back in May 2011 the competition invited Heligan visitors to capture images of Heligan wildlife and enter them for the opportunity to win a bounty of photographic and wildlife prizes worth over £1000; Sigma Telephoto lens, a Nikon photographic backpack, a gift voucher for Wildlife Watching Supplies, a signed book by Charlie Hamilton James and a signed copy of "Lenses for DSLRs" by Ross Hoddinott.
Each month a finalist was chosen from the entries with their image being displayed on the Heligan Wild website www.heliganwild.com before an overall winner was chosen from the 12 finalists by BBC wildlife cameraman Charlie Hamilton James.
After much consideration Charlie chose the winning photo, a stunning image of a Heligan Grass Snake swimming across the wildlife pond, outside Horsemoor Hide. The image displayed all the winning qualities, great composition, colour and focus as well as one of Heligan’s iconic and not so often spotted creatures. Delighted amateur photographer Robin Leath from Mevagissey was announced the overall winner.
“I was totally stunned to hear from the Heligan Wild Team that I had won as the quality of entries was so high” said Robin
“Over the last few years I have developed a real passion for photography and Heligan has been a great place of inspiration for me. I had only just acquired a new camera lens when I heard about Heligan’s Wildlife Photography Competition. One day whilst taking advantage of Horsemoor Hide and its wildlife viewing potential I spotted the unmistakable shape of a snake crossing the pond. I didn’t have long to get my shot but my efforts have really been rewarded!”
The Heligan Wild Team have been thrilled with both the quantity and quality of entries for the competition with a staggering number of photos being entered over the 12 month competition period.
“We hoped that the competition would raise awareness of Heligan’s abundant and diverse wildlife as well as encouraging visitors to take the time to observe and enjoy both wildlife and habitat. We certainly haven’t been disappointed” – said Richard Stafford, Heligan Wild Team.
“I would just like to thank Charlie Hamilton James for selecting my shot from all the other fabulous entries. I would also like to thank all the staff at Heligan for putting on such a great competition!” – added Robin.
Heligan would also like to thank all of the prize sponsors: Sigma, South West Optics, Wildlife Watching Supplies, Ross Hoddinott and Charlie Hamilton James for making this competition so successful.
