A snapshot of Ulster beauty
A CHEEKY robin, a breathtaking shot of the Giant's Causeway and exquisite close-ups of damselflies are just some of the images on display as part of an exhibition showcasing Ulster's unique natural beauty.
Budding photographers gathered at Stormont yesterday to mark the culmination of a competition aimed at raising awareness of some of Northern Ireland's most valuable wildlife areas.
Their handiwork now makes up the Nature's Hotspots exhibition, depicting some of the prized assets of the local countryside.
Talented snappers battled it out across four separate categories: landscape, wildlife and birds as well as an under-16 group.
The organiser of the competition The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) hopes the gallery will help provide a "snapshot" of the many areas of special scientific interest (ASSIs) across the Province.
Dr Domhnall Brannigan claimed the overall winner title as well as topping the landscape section with his image of Murlough Bay overshadowed by the Mournes.
The Dundrum resident, 34, who is temporarily living in Sydney, was unable to collect his award in person but his father Paul performed the duty on his behalf.
Mr Brannigan said he would be contacting his son with the news.
"He doesn't know the result yet. He knows he was in the final and he will be delighted. I think it is nostalgic as well for him, being so far away from home," he said.
"I know he was keen to keep the link through this competition."
Equally ecstatic was 13-year-old Andrew Mulholland, who scooped the under-16 title.
The Coleraine teenager captured a ferocious sea wave crashing against the columns of the Giant's Causeway. He admitted he was shocked to win his section.
"I was up against another photograph of a dragonfly which I was sure was going to win," he said.
A picture of a yawning fox taken by Belfast man Jack Hughes won the wildlife category, while Warren McConnaughie from Ballyclare secured the winning shot in the birds section with his image of a feeding robin.
Environment Minister Edwin Poots, who attended the awards ceremony at Parliament Buildings, congratulated the photographers on their success.
He also hoped the exhibition would bring to public attention the many ASSIs which "are so important for the protection of our most rare and vulnerable habitats and species".
Speaking at the event, RSPB director in Northern Ireland Dr James Robinson said: "Our natural environment is one of our most prized assets and deserves to be protected for future generations. The images on display are just a snapshot of the fantastic habitats and wildlife that can be found in Northern Ireland's wonderful ASSI network."
Nature's Hotspots will be on display in the Long Gallery at Stormont until December 11.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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