Forest Photo Competition

“Letting Trees Work for Us”

The Teagasc Forest Photo Competition 2026 “Letting Trees Work for Us” invites photographers of all ages and abilities to capture the many ways trees and forests benefit our landscapes, farms, water and biodiversity.

Themes

Trees for Water
Trees and Forests on the Farm
Trees for Biodiversity

Who can enter?

The competition is open to adult and junior photographers (18 and under) who are residents of the Republic of Ireland.

Professional photographers are not eligible.

You can enter one photograph for each theme, giving you three chances to showcase your creativity.

We’re looking for images that are:

Creative and original
Connected to the selected theme
Communicate an impactful message
Show the contribution and value of trees and forests

Prizes

There are great prizes to be won in both age categories.

Adult winners: €300 in vouchers for each theme
Junior winners: €150 in vouchers for each theme

Each theme winner will then go forward to the Grand Finale, where the overall:

Adult winner can win a further €300 in vouchers
Junior winner can win a further €150 in vouchers

The competition opens 15 September 2026

View the competition terms and conditions

2025 ‘Trees in our lives’ Photo Competition Winners

Trees and Water

In this theme we looked for images that capture the beauty of trees and water together. Not only is this combination beautiful but the right trees in the right places can also have a tremendous practical effect on improving water quality. Trees have the ability to filter out runoff from fields and thus reduce pollution entering water courses.

Adult Category Winner – Vera Farrelly, Co. Cavan

Vera Farrelly's winning entry in the Trees and Water Category of the Forest Photo Competition

This photo was taken at Deerpark Forest, Virginia, Co. Cavan encompassing the trees and water as they surround the bridge

Adult Category Runner-Up – Carmel Byrne, Co. Wicklow

Carmel Byrne's entry in the Trees and Water category of the Forest Photo Competition

Taken along the banks of the Vartry Reservoir in Roundwood. The reflection of the trees captured in beautiful reflection.

Junior Category Winner – Kendrick Urquhart, Co. Sligo

Kendrick Urquhart's winning entry in the Trees and Water Junior Category of the Forest Photo Competition

Kendrick took this photo at Clare Lake in Claremorris. The geese are returning home at the end of the day. The lake was quiet and peaceful and the autumn colours of trees are shining in the water.

Junior Category Runner-Up – Tynan Lawson, Dublin

Tynan Lawson's entry in the Trees and Water Junior Category

Long exposure shot of the Edenvale Waterfall in Co. Wexford.

Trees on the Farm

This theme covered all aspects of trees on the farm – how forests and trees can complement other farming activities and enhance the overall landscape, how trees provide shelter from wind and sun for farm animals and crops, how overall farm sustainability is enhanced by suitably planted trees and how the farm landscape often becomes more beautiful in the presence of trees.

Adult Category Winner – Robert Ledwith, Co. Westmeath

Robert Ledwith's winning entry in the Trees on the Farm Category of the Forest Photo Competition

The Scratching Tree, offering shelter and comfort.

Adult Category Runner-Up – Catherine Hosey, Co. Carlow

Catherine Hosey's entry in the Trees on the Farm Adult Category

The peace and tranquility of this early morning scene bring a sense of peace and wonder of the power and strength of nature’s beauty around us while also offering homes, shelter and protection to many animals and insects who live in our farmlands.

Junior Category Winner – James Devins, Co. Sligo

James Devins's winning entry in the Junior Trees on the Farm Category

James captured this photograph of the donkey family on his farm. The composition shows the natural harmony between the animals and their environment. The surrounding trees frame the scene, providing a natural border that draws the eye inward and the connection between the animals and their habitat.

Junior Category Runner-Up – Kate Tennyson, Co. Kilkenny

Kate Tennyson's entry in the junior category of the Trees on the Farm Category

Sunrise in Kilkenny

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.

Adult Category Winner – Richard Duff, Co. Laois

Richard Duff's winning entry in the Trees and Biodiversity category

Great Spotted Woodpeckers started to breed in Co. Wicklow in Ireland in 2005 and now with mature trees in hedgerows and native woodlands, they have spread right across the country. On Richard’s farm in Ballyfin, Co. Laois, they have at least two pairs breeding in the area.

Adult Category Runner-Up – Helen Moran, Co. Laois

Helen Moran's entry in the Trees and Biodiversity Adult Category