Capture the enchanting beauty of autumn in the National Park

Golden caramel fields, rusty red leaves, purple heathers and gorgeous pink sunsets – all the spectacular colours that make autumn special.

As the South Downs National Park prepares to put on its annual dazzling display, people are being encouraged to capture the enchanting beauty of autumn as the deadline looms for this year’s Photography Competition.

The contest launched in June and, with the clock counting down to the deadline of 23 October, the changing of the seasons is a great time to explore the National Park with a camera.

The contest is offering a first prize of £250 on offer to the amateur or professional photographer who best captures this year’s theme of ‘My tranquil haven’.

The top prize for the adult category will be £250, with a runner-up prize of £150 and third prize of £50.

There will also be a wildlife sub-category, with judges looking for images capturing the amazing wildlife of the South Downs and the winner in the adult category will receive £100.

Meanwhile, there will be two further categories for budding young photographers – 10 years and under and 11 to 17. There will be a winner for the main theme of ‘My Tranquil Haven’, as well as best wildlife image, and the winner of each of these categories will receive a Colombia outdoors rucksack and a Colombia beanie.

Award-winning photographers Rachael Talibart and Finn Hopson are returning once again to judge the 2020 competition and the panel welcomes acclaimed Lewes-based photographer Carlotta Luke.

Carlotta said: “I am so pleased to be part of the judging panel this year. I love the South Downs and am looking forward to seeing photos that celebrate the feeling of tranquility our national park can give us. As well as beautiful photos of the landscape and wildlife, I would love submissions showing people engaging with and enjoying the park. I also cannot wait to see what the young photographers send in!”

Find out more and download the entry form at www.southdowns.gov.uk/enter-the-south-downs-photo-competition/

Picture: Lord’s Piece in the South Downs National Park by Jamie Fielding.