UK’s first NNR launches photo contest to celebrate 70th anniversary

Winning entries will be displayed as part of an exhibition celebrating the nature reserve’s 70^th birthday. The top two photographers will enjoy an amazing day of exclusive access to the reserve in one-to-one company with a professional photographer, who will share industry hints and tips.   

Beinn Eighe was the UK’s first National Nature Reserve (NNR). It covers a huge 48sq km, stretching from loch-side to mountain top. There are expanding areas of Caledonian pine forest, with very old ‘granny pines’ found on the lower slopes and temperate rainforest in the gorges. More ancient woodland fragments can be found on the 60 plus islands scattered across Loch Maree. These island fragments are the nearest thing to natural woodland left in the UK. Wildlife on the NNR includes deer, pine martens and golden eagles, as well as a host of rare and interesting plants, butterflies, dragonflies and other insects.

Doug Bartholomew, Beinn Eighe’s NNR manager, said:

“We are looking for photos – new or old – of Beinn Eighe which capture the natural beauty, special nature and people’s unique experiences while visiting the nature reserve. We would particularly like entrants to include a description with their photos about a memory or experience at Beinn Eighe, to show what the NNR has meant to them over the years.”

The prizes for the competition are as follows:

1^st prize – Loch Maree Islands Boat Trip - An all-inclusive day with NNR staff and professional photographer Laurie Campbell, exploring and learning about the Loch Maree islands with opportunities to take unique photographs.

2^nd prize – A one-to-one photography experience at Beinn Eighe NNR - A guided day with professional photographer Laurie Campbell on Beinn Eighe, photographing nature with the majestic backdrop of Beinn Eighe.

The top 20 photos will receive a Beinn Eighe 70^th anniversary mug. All shortlisted photos will be on display as part of a Beinn Eighe 70^th anniversary exhibition.

Entries should be submitted in the first instance as lower resolution JPEGs to beinneighe70@nature.scot  or through Instagram, using the hashtag #BeinnEighe70 in your Instagram post. High resolution versions of pictures must also be available for printing purposes. The closing date for entries is 5pm on 1 October 2021. 

 For more information on contest terms and conditions, see the NatureScot website.

ENDS