Welwyn Hatfield photographers showcase borough's biodiversity

Members of the public are now invited to vote for their favourite photo to crown the winner of the competition, launched by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council in partnership with Welwyn Garden City BID.

In March, budding photographers were invited to share their best pictures showcasing the rich diversity in Welwyn Hatfield.

Entries included plants, animals, insects, countryside views and a variety of fungi.

The competition was part of the celebrations for The Great Big Green Week (June 8-16).

More than 30 entries were received and now, WHBC and the BID would like you to choose the most captivating images.

To vote:

1. Visit WHBC’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/welwynhatfield.
2. Find the three ‘pinned’ posts at the top of the feed, each displaying two shortlisted photographs in different categories.
3. Leave a comment with either ‘one’ or ‘two’ to indicate your preferred photo.

The winning photographs be announced on WHBC’s Facebook page on July 5. Each category winner will win a prize that celebrates their contribution to raising awareness of the stunning biodiversity in the borough.

WHBC’s executive director resident services and climate change, Sue McDaid, said: “Thank you to everyone who entered the competition and submitted photographs.

"As we reflect on the success of the Great Big Green Week, we hope the photography competition inspires our community to take steps to protect our biodiversity.

"I would encourage you to view all of the remarkable pictures we have shortlisted on Facebook and vote for your favourite.”

The BID’s manager, Nicola Wolff, added: “I was really impressed by the array of photographs that we received, representing the beauty and diversity of our natural environment. We are very lucky to live in such a wonderful place.

"The engagement in The Great Big Green Week and the photo contest reflects our community’s dedication to protecting our biodiversity”.

To keep up to date with further environmental competitions, initiatives and events around the borough, email climatechange@welhat.gov.uk.

The finalists are:

In the 16 and under category

Urban Highway by Betty Brockleysby Sum

Urban Highway by Betty Brockleysby Sum in the 16 and under category (Image: Betty Brockleysby Sum)

“Believed to be a Brown-lipped snail. The brown-lipped snail lives in a variety of damp habitats, including gardens, hedgerows, woodlands and grasslands”.

Lemsford Springs marshland by Summer Dinnage

Lemsford Springs marshland by Summer Dinnage in the 16 and under category (Image: Summer Dinnage)

Summer said: “The photos was taken on a Nature Reserve trip with my dad."

In the 60 and over category

The butterfly feeding on the thistle by Robin Kersey

The butterfly feeding on the thistle by Robin Kersey in the 60 and over category (Image: Robin Kersey)

“Photo taken at Porter Taylor Woods by the side of the A1000 Chequers."

Horse Chestnut blossom by Deborah Ronchetti

Horse Chestnut blossom by Deborah Ronchetti in the 60 and over category (Image: Deborah Ronchetti) “Digswell lake Nature Reserve, taken Tuesday 30th April."

In the 17-59 category

Spring Sun in Hatfield Town Centre Park by James Wildey

Spring Sun in Hatfield Town Centre Park by James Wildey (Image: James Wildey) “This photo was taken whilst talking part in the Hatfield First Steps Health Walks."

Fungi Moneyhole Park by Clair Emms

Fungi Moneyhole Park by Clair Emms (Image: Clair Emms)