This image of a red squirrel was overall winner of our photo competition and is on the cover of our 2021 calendar © Rosamund Macfarlane
Photos of wildlife in back gardens create a stunning 2021 calendar
Our 2021 calendar is now on sale, featuring 12 captivating images of local wildlife, observed close to home
The calendar has been compiled by staff and volunteers following a competition asking for entries for the best nature pics. This year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting restrictions on movements, we asked entrants to send in photos that had been taken in their own yards or gardens, or on local walks. The top 12 images were selected by a panel and the overall winner was selected by our members.
Andrea Simpson, Publications Officer for Cumbria Wildlife Trust said: “When we launched the photography competition back in the spring, it was the height of the lockdown and people weren’t able to travel to take photographs of the iconic species and landscapes that we usually receive as entries. So this year we changed the focus to a Garden Wildlife competition – you don’t need to go far from your front door to see some amazing wildlife! And the results didn’t disappoint – we were inundated with entries. Once again, we received a wonderful collection of photos and we’re delighted with the winning 12 pictures.”
The winning entries include a blue tit peeping out of a garden nest box, close-ups of insects in flowers, a frog climbing out of a garden pond and a fox caught on camera at night, prowling across a lawn.
The overall winning photograph, which features on the calendar’s front cover, shows a delightful red squirrel, seemingly taking a stretch against a pot of lavender. It was taken by Rosamund Macfarlane from Loweswater. Second and third prizes went to John Cobham for his wasps photograph and James Underwood for his blue tit chick peeping from its nest box.
Andrea continued: “Whether it was interesting animal behaviour, stand-out flowers, or unusual insects, capturing these wildlife encounters on camera has been a satisfying way for people to connect with nature, especially at a time when our world had become so much smaller.”
The overall winner received a £100 voucher for camera equipment. Second place received a £50 voucher. Third place received a £25 voucher.
Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s 2021 Calendar can be purchased from our online shop for £7.99 (plus £2.50 p&p). Christmas cards are also available to purchase from the online shop.