Entries are now open for our ‘What makes South Devon Special’  photography competition  supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The competition has four categories each with an under 18 section and the closing date is Sunday, September 30, 2018.

The categories are

• A green and pleasant land: Rural landscape and rolling farmland

• Into the Blue: Exploring our five estuaries and fabulous coastline

• The changing landscape: Wilderness, the weather and natural elements 

• A landscape to live in: Towns and villages, wildlife and recreation

The judges panel chaired by international award winning photographer Martyn Norsworthy will pick a winner in each of the categories in October 2018 and an Outstanding Photographer as well as an Outstanding Young photographer.

All finalists selected by the judges will be exhibited at the Flavel Centre in Dartmouth from October 19 to 31. A presentation event will take place on October 22, when the South Devon Outstanding Photographer and South Devon Outstanding Young Photographer will be announced.   

The winning images will be used in future AONB publications, promotional material and on the website.

AONB Communities Officer Nicky Bailey said: “We hope that anyone with a love of this special area will take some snaps and send them in. We have some fabulous prizes thanks to our generous sponsors and look forward to seeing your snaps.

"To help you get the best shots we have organised four free photography walks based on the categories and led by expert local photographer Phil Hemsley.

The first of these is on Saturday, June 2,  from 2-4.30pm at Down Farm, near Chivelstone, The walk will take in stunning parts of the coastline and rolling farm land. You can pick up lots of hints and tips from Philas while he shares his knowledge on getting the  perfect picture.

The competition has attracted some very generous sponsors. The ’Outstanding photographer of the Year’ will receive a voucher for £250 for a short break or towards a longer break at a Coast and Country property, sponsored by Coast and Country Cottages.

Each adult  section winner will receive a £50 voucher for photographic equipment, sponsored by Mifsuds Photographic  of Brixham. 

The ’Young Outstanding photographer of the Year’ will receive a  jacket, sponsored by Trail Outdoors South West, Ivybridge. Full prize details are on the AONB website.

Entrance is open to anyone living, working, or visiting the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

A full list of events can be found on the South Devon AONB website.