TWO nature lovers have been shortlisted for a national photography prize by capturing on film the benefits of mucking in to help the environment.
The photographs, both taken in the Lake District National Park, will now compete against two other finalists to win the Muck in 4 Life competition.
Muck in 4 Life is a Defra campaign to encourage more people to get involved in conservation project
s and to show that being active outdoors, whether in urban green spaces or the natural environment, has physical and mental health benefits.
The photographic competition asked volunteers from across the country taking part in Muck in 4 Life activities to capture images of their conservation projects in action.
From more than 50 entries, the judges have narrowed the field down to 4 finalists and those photos will be displayed at the third annual International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, from May 1 when category winners for the North and the South and the overall winner will be announced.
The Lake District finalists are Jamie Green, with a photo of brush burning in Rusland valley and Mike Turner, with a photo of dry stone walling near Ennerdale Water
Andrew Lawson, professional photographer and member of the judging panel said: "We, as the judging panel were impressed by the inspirational quality of the photographs and the stories they told of some truly life-enhancing projects. We would like to congratulate all those who took part in the Muck in 4 Life activities, those who entered the competition and of course, our four finalists."
Huw Irranca-Davies, Environment Minister said: - "These are all great photos and picking a winner will be a difficult task. All of the photos show the enjoyment people get from mucking in to help the environment. I hope even more people will muck in this year and help with conservation volunteering which, as well as being fun, is good for both the volunteers and our environment."
