Have you got a great picture of a peregrine, a top photo of a fox, or even a stellar snap of a squirrel taken in the borough? Local wildlife lovers are encouraged to submit their best work in a contest.

It is for the Ealing Wildlife Group’s second annual photography competition, and winners will get the chance to see their entry displayed in a special exhibition in Walpole Park.

The competition and exhibition has been organised in partnership between Ealing Council and Ealing Wildlife Group and aims to showcase the borough’s nature, parks and open spaces, and celebrate the important relationships between people and wildlife.

Sean McCormack, founder of the Ealing Wildlife Group explains: “After the success of our first wildlife photo exhibition last year, we are delighted to be running it again. Since then, we’ve had lots of new members join the group to discover what the borough has to offer in terms of nature and wildlife.

“We’ve discovered some pretty astonishing species living in our midst – peregrine falcons and red kites, hedgehogs, badgers, muntjac deer, slow worms and dragonflies, barn owls and bats.

“We’ve also seen some incredible wildlife photography, from professionals and amateurs alike. We’re really excited to be judging this year’s competition, and seeing the initial entries it promises to be a fantastic event.”

The competition is open to anyone with an interest in wildlife, not just experts and top photographers, as Sean explains: “This year we are opening a category for Under 16’s too, as we think it’s so important to engage young people with nature conservation.

“Unlike lots of other photography competitions, technical ability is only one part of the judging criteria. We really want to showcase the beauty of our local environment and the life within, as well as celebrate the relationships our local community has with nature.”

Councillor Mik Sabiers, cabinet member for environment and highways said: “Hopefully this competition and exhibition will help inspire residents of all ages to enjoy the green spaces on their doorstep and I am sure Ealing’s flourishing fauna and rich biodiversity will provide the perfect backdrop for some beautiful photography.

“Whether you live in, work or are just visiting Ealing I’d encourage everyone to be on the lookout for the borough’s wonderful wildlife.

“And who knows, your picture could be a winning entry and be recognised alongside some of the best photography across the local area.”

How to enter:

• You can submit up to three original photographs, in as high a resolution as possible to maintain image quality when printed on large format
• Photographs to be submitted by midnight, Sunday 16 September 2018
• Photographs must have been taken by you within the borough of Ealing in the last five years
• Photos must not have been overly manipulated, and must be a true and honest depiction of the subject.

There are six categories, as well as an overall winner category:

• Young Wildlife Explorers (under 16s)
• Fantastic Flora (plant life)
• Beautiful Ealing (wildlife, habitats and landscapes)
• Relationships with Nature (nature and people)
• Up Close and Personal (including macro photography)
• Urban Wildlife (nature/wildlife in urban settings).

Winning entries will be displayed in a public exhibition in Walpole Park in October and November 2018, and images may be used by Ealing Wildlife Group to promote local biodiversity and conservation.

Visit the group’s website for further details and to submit your photos, or join the discussion on The Ealing Wildlife Group facebook page.