Photographer Piers Fearick was a double winner, taking both the first and runner-up prize in the national park’s wildlife category by capturing the beauty of a yellowhammer and wren in the South Downs.
The theme for the main competition was “Stunning Seasons of the South Downs” and judges were treated to an assortment of images showing off the changing landscape, treescape, weather and light conditions throughout the year.
This year saw a record number of entries, with more than 800 photographs.
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Yellowhammer by Piers Fearick was the winner in the Wildlife category (Image: Piers Fearick) The competition judges were award-winning photographers Rachael Talibart, Finn Hopson, and Carlotta Luke, Outdoor Photography deputy editor Claire Blow, the national park’s biodiversity officer Jan Knowlson, as well as Vanessa Rowlands, chair of the National Park Authority.
The wildlife category, which was wide open and not tied to the seasons, was one of the highest standards ever in the history of the competition.
About the yellowhammer, Jan said: “It’s one of our great farmland birds in the South Downs that has struggled in recent decades, so it’s wonderful to see the yellowhammer being shown here in all its glory.”
Regarding the wren image, named “Tiny Bit Tough”, Rachael said: “It’s so beautiful and one of our most characterful birds.
“I love the detail and how they have even captured a cobweb on the wren’s beak.”
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Hoar Frost at Houghton by Stuart East was the winner in the Winter category (Image: Stuart East) Photographer Piers, who lives near Worthing and wins £150, said: “I’m constantly inspired by the natural environment and in particular the South Downs National Park which I’m very lucky to have on my doorstep.
“Yellowhammer, with its vibrant plumage, is only intensified with a backdrop of flowering golden gorse.
“The tiny but mighty wren’s loud and proud beautiful song can be heard from many a hedgerow and it’s always a delight to be eyelevel with one.”
There was another double winner with Stuart East, who took the first-place prize for both the spring and winter categories.
His composition of wild garlic beneath ancient trees at Treyford impressed judges, while his photograph of a hoar frost on the River Arun wowed judges for its technical prowess.
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Elder by Stuart East was the winner in the Spring category (Image: Stuart East) Stuart, who lives at Littlehampton and picks up a £200 prize, said: “I’m absolutely delighted.
“I spend a lot of my spare time walking, cycling and photographing in the South Downs National Park.
“I really enjoy observing and capturing the changing seasons across the different habitats and landscapes we are lucky to have so close by.”