It has been a strange year for the children and young people of Galway. They have been through lockdowns, have missed hanging out with their friends and watched on as their world was turned upside down. However, one positive development has been the huge increase in the number of young people discovering their local green and blue spaces in Galway City.
To celebrate this, Galway City Council is launching a Children’s Nature Photography competition. Are there any budding photographers with an eye for the beautiful biodiversity and landscapes in our city? If so, Galway City Council want to see your best shots. The competition is open to all young people aged 16 and under and the photographs must capture images taken in Galway City.
From the ancient woodlands of Barna, Menlo and Merlin to the newly planted Terryland Forest Park, there is such an abundance of biodiversity and nature on our doorsteps. Young people have been experiencing these green spaces as well as the many blue spaces of the city such as the canals, Renmore Lagoon, the majestic River Corrib and the world class beaches. In all of this we can capture glimpses of some of our furry, scaly or winged friends such as the heron, red fox, a seal floating in the bay or indeed a starling murmuration in the evening sky.
Mayor Mike Cubbard welcomed the competition.
‘’I am very happy to support this child friendly initiative by Galway City Council. The Christmas break is an ideal time for young people to get out and about and rediscover their local areas again and get some prize-winning snaps. We are very lucky to have such world class scenery and nature in our wonderful city.’
Tiarnan McCusker, Environmental Awareness Officer said we need to care for our green and blue spaces and hopefully this photo competition will instil a sense of wonder and celebration of them among our young people.
“The children’s Millenium Park beside the Cathedral is a good example of where green and blue spaces meet right here in the city centre. In 2019, it was awarded a Green Flag for parks, a recognised International Accreditation for Park Excellence.
“It’s a wonderful space for all of Galway’s citizens. Sandwiched between two canals with a partial wild flower meadow in the summer, established trees, a playground, skating park and benches to find some peace and quiet. This is just one of the many beautiful parks for all of Galway’s citizens to enjoy,” he said.
The competition is open to all young people aged 16 and under living in Galway City. The photographs can capture any biodiversity and nature, or local blue and green spaces. There will be an overall winner with a prize of a €50 One4all voucher and 4 runners up prizes of €20 One4all vouchers. A selection of photographs will be published in the Galway Advertiser in January and on Galway City Council’s website and social media accounts.
To enter the competition please log onto www.galwaycity.ie/galway-nature-comp Deadline for entries is the 7th January 2021.
