The annual South Downs National Park photography competition has crowned its latest winner, with an atmospheric and haunting image of ancient trees taking the top prize.
Misty Giants Claim Victory
Richard Murray, from Waterlooville in Hampshire, secured the £250 first prize for his photograph titled "Three Giants." The winning shot captures a group of gnarly London plane trees near Midhurst in West Sussex, shrouded in an ethereal morning mist.
One of the competition judges, Vanessa Rowlands, who chairs the national park authority, praised the image. She highlighted its poignant reflection of contemporary environmental challenges, noting the significance of water held in the landscape. "It's something we have to get more familiar with as we adapt to climate change, which is giving us more extreme weather and wetter winters," Rowlands stated.
Mr Murray described the patience required to capture the fleeting moment. "Mist is rare at this location and I'd waited patiently for the right conditions to appear," he explained. The perfect scene materialised after days of prolonged rain, on a forecast clear morning. "It felt like another world standing surrounded by these beautiful giant trees," Murray recalled, adding that the mist vanished just thirty minutes later.
Runners-up and Wildlife Winners
The runner-up spot in the main category was awarded to Ian Price from Eastbourne for his photograph "Beam Me Up." The image depicts a dramatic shaft of light illuminating Belle Tout lighthouse following a heavy downpour. Judge and photographer Carlotta Luke commended its moody atmosphere, calling it "unmistakably South Downs."
In the wildlife category, Thomas Moore of Slindon triumphed with his detailed close-up of an orange-tip butterfly. Photographer and judge Rachael Talibart applauded the technical excellence and incredible detail, particularly around the insect's eye and wings.
The wildlife runner-up was John Lauper from Pevensey Bay, for his image of a young stonechat in the Cuckmere Valley. Third place went to Ian Wood of Dorset for "Summer Loving," a picture of two mating six-spot burnet moths.
People's Choice Awaits
All the winning and highly commended images, including Ian Cairns's commended shot "Feeling Sheepish," will now progress to the next stage. They have been put forward for the public to decide the winner of the People's Choice prize, allowing photography enthusiasts to have their say on the best image from this year's impressive selection.
The competition, judged on Monday 12 January 2026, continues to showcase the breathtaking beauty and diverse wildlife of the South Downs, encouraging both professional and amateur photographers to engage with the national park's unique landscapes.
