Tees Valley Wildlife Trust new competition to celebrate nature

Tees Valley Wildlife Trust has launched the contest to shine a light on the wild species living across parks, gardens, and its nature reserves.

Open to amateur photographers of all ages, the competition will feature at least 12 winning images in the trust’s 2027 calendar, with one selected for the front cover.

Tom Harman, chief executive of Tees Valley Wildlife Trust (TVWT), said: “We know there are some brilliant wildlife moments happening across the Tees Valley every day – in our parks, along our streets, by the river and coast.

“This competition is about celebrating that and encouraging people to take a closer look at the nature around them.

“You don’t need to travel far to find something special.”

Entrants can submit up to three landscape-format photos taken with a phone or camera, provided they feature wild, native species in natural settings in the Tees Valley.

Images can be shared via Facebook, Instagram, or emailed to info@teeswildlife.org.

No AI-generated or heavily edited images will be accepted.

The competition closes on May 1.

Mr Harman said: “The competition is designed to be accessible to everyone, you can enter with a few clicks via social media or email and you don’t need a fancy camera.

“It’s all about images that reflect real moments in nature.”

Winning photographs will be featured on TVWT’s website and social media, and the calendar will be for sale from local business across the Tees Valley.

In addition to celebrating local wildlife, the competition aims to raise awareness of the importance of protecting and enhancing green spaces across the Tees Valley.

Entrants are reminded that only wild, native species are eligible, and images must capture animals or plants in their natural habitat.

Anyone interested in taking part can find full entry details at www.teeswildlife.org, or by emailing info@teeswildlife.org.

Images can also be submitted via the trust’s social media channels before the deadline.