Wild Surrey Artist and Photographer of the Year 2022 Open for Entries

Surrey Wildlife Trust is delighted to announce the launch of its Wild Surrey artist and photographer of the year 2022 competition. Supported by STIHL, the competition is open to anyone seven and upwards and aims to showcase the most inspiring nature themed art and photography in Surrey.

Surrey Wildlife Trust is looking for incredible images of wildlife and nature in Surrey which tell a story, create an emotional response, show the unexpected or help us understand the importance of taking urgent action for climate change. Intrigue us with insects in action, an abundance of bees, beetles and butterflies. Surprise us with unexpected animal behaviour from Surrey’s reptiles, birds or mammals.

Evoke atmosphere and a sense of place with beautiful wild surroundings in Surrey, from your garden to the North Downs, the vast heathlands or chalk grasslands, to wildflower meadows, rivers and lakes.  Or imagine a vision for Surrey’s nature in streets, schools, businesses, towns and cities, transforming a space for nature or reducing the impact of climate change.

Open for entries from 1st September 2021, pick up your paint brushes or pastels again. Create a digital masterpiece, experiment with mixed media or set up your smartphone camera to take up the challenge of becoming Wild Surrey Photographer or Artist of the Year 2022.

Sophie Coad, events manager at Surrey Wildlife Trust, said: ‘The eternal beauty and power of nature has always been so inspiring to artists. During lockdown, we have become closer and more connected to nature through our daily walks, appreciating its value to our mental and physical health. Art has played a similar role for many, so I cannot think of a better way to deepen our connection with nature through the using our creativity and inspire others to take positive action to help the climate and ecological crises we are facing. This is the perfect opportunity to express your feelings for nature by creating powerful images of a future where people and nature live in harmony.’

Simon Hewitt, head of marketing at STIHL GB, commented: ‘At STIHL, we are always keen to support organisations that have a focus on maintaining areas of nature and creating landscapes for both wildlife and the local community, so we are thrilled to be the lead supporter of the Surrey Wildlife Trust’s Wild Surrey Artist and Photographer competition 2022.

‘As a leading manufacturer of landscaping equipment used by many local authorities and grounds keeping teams to cultivate these areas of natural beauty, we are excited to see the diverse range of entries and wish all the artists and photographers taking part the best of luck.’  

The closing date for entries is 1st March 2022. Shortlisted entries and the winners will be exhibited online and at the Lightbox in Woking from 9th to 22nd May 2022.  To find out more about each category and to enter visit www.surreywildlifetrust.org.uk, Facebook or Instagram @SurreyWildlifeTrust Instagram and Twitter @SurreyWT