Winners receive prizes in Stay at Home Wildlife Photography Competition

The competition was launched to lift people’s spirits during the third national lockdown

The winners of a wildlife at home photography competition that attracted nearly 100 entries, have received their prizes.

The competition, organised by Exeter City Council and Devon Wildlife Trust, proved very popular, drawing a total of 93 entries from amateur photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. The standard of entries was exceptional, with dozens of stunning images.

In the end it was David Flint’s close-up of a garden dragonfly in his conservatory that impressed judges the most. David received his prize a book on Wildlife Gardening, from Devon Wildlife Trust’s Stephen Hussey.

Eleven-year-old Oliver Marsh won the junior category with his shot of a robin on a bench.  Oliver will also receive a book of wildlife from Devon Wildlife Trust.

The competition was launched earlier in the year to lift people’s spirits during the third national ‘lockdown’.

People were encouraged to take photographs of wildlife in their gardens, backyards or on the doorsteps.

The competition – which was open to everyone in Exeter – supported the government’s ‘Stay at Home’ message in trying to stop the spread of Covid-19, whilst at the same time helping with mental well-being and encouraging wildlife into gardens.

Squirrels and foxes provided the most popular subjects, with garden favourites such as blackbirds, robins and even sparrowhawks. There were also a number of images of moths, spiders and various insects submitted.

Following the judging, Stephen Hussey of Devon Wildlife Trust, said: “We know that nature has become an even more important part of so many people’s lives during the past year. This photo competition not only illustrates the great variety of wildlife that people are seeing, but also their passion for it.

“So many of the entries were of such a high standard, but it’s perhaps fitting that the winner was one which takes us up close and in touching distance of the natural world around us.”