Dedicated to engaging young people with nature in the wild whilst understanding how to be careful and respectful, international wildlife charity Born Free has extended its new Youth Filmmaker & Photographer of the Year competition deadline to the end of half-term.

16 year old and under entrants don’t need fancy, specialist kit – an iPad or phone will do - and participants, working on their own or in a group, can submit either a series of up to six photos that tell a story, or a short film (up to three minutes long), that focuses on the natural world, with a clear link to this year’s theme Hope Springs Eternal.  

All submissions should focus on the child’s personal experiences of the nature and wildlife that’s on their doorstep — in the sky, in the garden, neighbourhood streets, local park or pond — and of course must not feature captive animals in any form. Live bait, scent or artificial calls must not have been used to attract animals to an area. Every entry should showcase one or more of the following: wildlife living free in the UK, local conservation efforts, and/or a local environmental issue.  

The closing date for entries is Sunday 6th June 2021. World famous wildlife photographer George Logan, alongside award-winning environmental writer, conservation photographer, documentary filmmaker, and book author, Isabelle Groc, will then judge the entries, supported by one of Born Free Kenya’s Conservation Managers, David Manoa.

The winners will be announced on Wednesday 30th June 2021 and will receive prizes ranging from Canon EOS 2000D Digital SLR camera equipment to photography courses and vouchers, with the generous support of Jessops, as well as a copy of Isabelle Groc’s book Gone is Gone: Wildlife Under Threat. All winners’ work will be published by Born Free.  

Laura Gosset, Head of Education at Born Free, commented: “When the global pandemic first hit the UK in Spring 2020, many stopped and listened to nature for the first time; it provided a source of hope to many during an incredibly difficult time. 

“This spring, we are calling on our next generation to continue to spread hope through images or films of nature wherever it is found, be it in a city street or the highlands of Scotland. We want youngsters to engage with nature, explore their local area, and share the joy that nature, big and small, brings to us all.” 

For more information on the competition and full terms and conditions visit: www.bornfree.org.uk/kids-competition