Photo winners capture natural wonders of city's great parks

Stunning pictures of wildlife and landscapes proved a tough task for judges in The Parks Trust 2016 photography competition.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Oct 2016, 11:00 BST
Updated 25th Oct 2016, 20:56 BST
Peter Watson - Old Stumpy at Ouzel Valley ParkPeter Watson - Old Stumpy at Ouzel Valley Park
Peter Watson - Old Stumpy at Ouzel Valley Park

There were 665 photographs entered into the contest by 230 people from across the city.

There were three categories in adult and youth age groups - parklife, wildlife and landscape - with a winner and finalist chosen for each one. An overall winner was chosen from both adult and youth sections.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Peter Watson was the overall adult winner for his striking winter image of Old Stumpy at Ouzel Valley Park, while Gracie Gardner’s stunning black and white close-up of a swan clinched the overall youth winner title.

Most Popular
Peter Watson is presented with his certificate by David Foster, Chief Executive of The Parks TrustPeter Watson is presented with his certificate by David Foster, Chief Executive of The Parks Trust
Peter Watson is presented with his certificate by David Foster, Chief Executive of The Parks Trust

Peter, as overall winner, was presented with his certificate by David Foster, chief executive of The Parks Trust, at the charity’s headquarters in Campbell Park,

The competition shortlist was whittled down by an expert panel of judges including chairman of the New City Photography Society, Stephen Miller and secretary, Don Byatt, and The Parks Trust’s head of community engagement Briony Fox.

Briony said: “We were hugely impressed by the quality of the photos submitted this year. It was difficult to narrow down the entries but we were blown away by Peter’s and Gracie’s in particular - they really are very special.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We loved looking through people’s favourite images of their parks, and the competition truly demonstrated how lucky we are to have such a vast array of landscapes and habitats in Milton Keynes. We hope this will encourage even more people to visit the city’s green spaces, which are beautiful and inspiring all year round.”

Jo Angell - adult wildlife winner with Willen LakeJo Angell - adult wildlife winner with Willen Lake
Jo Angell - adult wildlife winner with Willen Lake

The winners were:

Overall Adult Winner

Peter Watson - Old Stumpy at Ouzel Valley Park

Adult Landscape category winner

Gracie Gardner - winner of youth wildlife and overall prize for close up of a swanGracie Gardner - winner of youth wildlife and overall prize for close up of a swan
Gracie Gardner - winner of youth wildlife and overall prize for close up of a swan

Peter Watson - Old Stumpy at Ouzel Valley Park

Adult Parklife category winner

Charlotte Green - Willen Lake

Adult Wildlife category winner

Peter Watson is presented with his certificate by David Foster, Chief Executive of The Parks TrustPeter Watson is presented with his certificate by David Foster, Chief Executive of The Parks Trust
Peter Watson is presented with his certificate by David Foster, Chief Executive of The Parks Trust

Jo Angell - Willen Lake

Overall Youth winner

Gracie Gardner - close up of swan

Youth Landscape category winner

Sophie Bayliss - Wolverton Mill

Youth Parklife category winner

Roslyn Moorhouse - Tree Cathedral

Youth Wildlife category winner

Gracie Gardener - close up of swan