A WORCESTER youngster has scooped the front cover of a wildlife calendar in a prestigious photography competition.
Eleven-year-old Magnus McLeod’s ‘A little owl in Grimley’ photograph was recently chosen ahead of more than 50 photographers to win the coveted front cover of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s 2017 calendar.
Of the twelve winning images, five were put forward for a public vote to choose the overall winner and Magnus’ photo won more than 44 per cent of the votes.
Other winners from Worcester included Roger Wylde, who’s ‘Snowy Owl’ photo won January and Nigel Hooton, who’s ‘Common Frogs’ picture scooped March.
Magnus said: “My first reaction to being told I had been given the front cover picture was surprise because I was up against adults. Even though I knew I was in the top five and therefore had a fair chance of winning, it was a still bit of a shock.
“I was also really excited but nervous at having my photos on people’s walls for some of the year.
“Worcestershire Wildlife Trust nature reserves are some of my favourite places to go and the conservation work brings them to a new level. Thank you so much to everyone that voted.”
Wendy Carter, organiser of the competition said: “We’re so lucky in Worcestershire to not just live in a beautiful place, but to also have so many fantastic photographers who capture our wildlife and wild places.
“Some of this year’s winners really do show what can be achieved by helping wildlife and keeping your senses open when you’re out and about in our beautiful and diverse county.
“Judging this annual competition seems to get harder each year but it really does engage all our staff. We believe we’ve got another great calendar this year that shows off our county at its best.”
The calendar is available to buy from the Trust’s offices or on its online shop for £7, with all proceeds going directly to the work of the Trust to protect Worcestershire’s wildlife.
Visit the charity’s Flickr photo stream at www.flickr.com/photos/worcestershirewildlifetrust to view the calendar.
