(Above) Geoffrey Hill, Whiskers and Fur
A North-East photographer who captured threatening grey skies, snow-laden paths and fidgeting gangs of mice at Stockton-on-Tees’ 18th century Hardwick Hall Park is hoping to win £1,000 after winning the Heritage and Wildlife heat of a nationwide competition.
Geoffrey Hill will have his shots, The Silence of Stone and Whiskers and Fur, shown at London’s prestigious Southwark Park as part of the battle for the overall prize in the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Postcards from the Parks competition.
“I took these photos in 2007 and 2009 and was inspired by the full family of wood mice and the light produced due to a snow storm,” explained Hill, describing his excitement at seeing the images in the Gallery at the London venue.
“I spend a lot of time in Hardwick Park, mostly to photograph and monitor wildlife and weather.”
The Silence of Stone
The campaign aims to highlight the importance of parks to UK communities, as well as promoting the Lottery’s £600 million investment in public parks and green spaces.
“Parks are vital places that give people an opportunity to escape the daily hustle and bustle and enjoy the fresh air,” argued HLF Chief Executive Carole Souter, who said a “huge number” of photographs had been entered for the fourth year of Postcards from the Parks.
“This competition shows just how popular parks are right across the country. That is why HLF and BIG support parks with such a massive investment of our funding.”
Environmentalist Chris Packham, who will announce the winners at Southwark and discuss the future of parks funding on September 3 2010, was part of a judging panel which included Sir Paul McCartney’s celebrity photographer brother, Mike.
“We’re so lucky in the UK to have such wonderful and varied green spaces,” said Packham, lauding the “massive benefits” and “brilliant opportunities to get up and close with nature” offered by them.
“It’s essential we keep on investing in them as there is still plenty of work to be done to look after them all properly. Every community deserves to be near a great park.”
