Young photographers are being encouraged to get closer to nature this winter as part of a Perthshire school’s new camera competition.
The contest, run by Glenalmond College with support from the Scottish Wildlife Trust, aims to get youngsters and their families away from their screens and exploring the world around them.
The Go Wild This Winter competition, for ages five to 18, was inspired by the work of Glenalmond students, as well as stunning images by local photographer Rosanna Forbes which were used for a charity calendar.
Sasha Baldwin, Eco-group Co-ordinator at Glenalmond College, said the school was delighted to be working with the Scottish Wildlife Trust on the project.
“We know that being outdoors and feeling close to nature is very good for the physical and mental wellbeing of children and whether you are in a city centre or a rural location it is possible for everyone to get closer to wildlife,” she said.
“With the restrictions currently in place, many people of all ages are walking more and we hope the competition will encourage them to take the time to really notice and learn about the nature around them.”
The contest is split into four age groups – 5-8 years, 9-12 years, 13-15 years and 16-18 years – and entries will be judged by Ms Forbes and Mrs Baldwin, alongside Karen Chambers, vice chair of the Scottish Wildlife Trust and professional wildlife photographer Eric McCabe.
Prizes include bird feeding stations and hedgehog houses for the successful pupils’ schools as well as goodie bags, and the overall senior and junior winner will each receive a year’s membership of the Scottish Wildlife Trust.
The competition mascot is a red squirrel that was photographed by Ms Forbes in the grounds of Glenalmond.
