Teagasc Forest Photo Competition 2023
Celebrating The New Forestry Programme 2023-2027
This was a three-themed competition that focused on the multi-functional nature of forests, from timber production to biodiversity enhancement. The competition provided a great opportunity for budding, non-professional photographers and photo enthusiasts to get snapping while being in with a chance to win exciting prizes. This year a new junior category was included for anybody under 18 years of age.
Minister Pippa Hackett announces overall winners of Teagasc Forest Photo Competition 2023
The overall winners of the 2023 Teagasc forest photo competition were announced by the Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, Senator Pippa Hackett on Tuesday, 19th December.
The overall winners of the 2023 Teagasc forest photo competition were announced by the Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, Senator Pippa Hackett. Minister Hackett is pictured with Paul Butler, Teagasc Forestry Liaison Officer. Photo: John Ohle Photography.
Adult Category Winner
The overall winner in the adult category was Adrian Nolan from County Galway. Adrian’s striking photo is very well composed and reminds us that fungi play an essential role in the forest cycle, and as part of its biodiversity, and are often overlooked.
Junior Category Winner
In the junior category the deserving winner was Jake Byrne from Kilkenny. Jake’s image was simple, yet really impactful. It captured the sense of fun that can be had from a few pieces of timber combined with a good sprinkling of imagination.
Each of the winners will receive a voucher for €300 to add to their earlier voucher of the same amount bringing their total winnings to €600.
Competition & Prizes
The 'Celebrating the New Forestry Programme 2023-2027' competition focused on three consecutive forest themes and ran from October to December 2023.
The competition had two separate categories, an adult category and a junior category. Each theme had a prize of €300 for an adult category winner and €300 for a junior category winner.
Each adult and junior theme winner went forward to a Grand Final on 19 December. A further €300 prize was given to the overall category winners for both adult and junior.
View the competition terms & conditions here
Themes
This year's competition featured three themes: Trees and Biodiversity, Trees on the Farm and The Forest Harvest.
Trees and Biodiversity
To kick off the competition, the first theme was 'Trees and Biodiversity'. This theme focused on the animal and plant life in and around forests, how and where forests provide shelter and food for animals including insects, birds and mammals, as well as other flowering plants.
Trees on the Farm
The second theme was 'Trees on the Farm'. This theme covered all aspects of trees on the farm and how forests and trees are integrated into other farming activities and into the overall landscape. Trees provide shelter from wind and sun for farm animals and can help in protecting water courses.
The Forest Harvest
The final theme was 'The Forest Harvest'. This is a celebration of all that we can get from forests. Of course, there is construction timber, one of the most valuable forest materials used by humans. But other harvests include fungi, berries and firewood. Perhaps another product from the forest is the wellbeing and health benefits of spending time amongst the trees.