Parks and countryside
Walsall residents encouraged to take part in Black Country Geoparks photography competition
Published on
Walsall residents are encouraged to take part in the Black Country UNESCO Geoparks photography competition.
A Black Country-wide competition has been launched to find the photos which best capture the “heart and soul” of the Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark.
The team behind the Black Country Geopark recently celebrated two years since securing prestigious UNESCO status and is now encouraging residents to get out and about, get creative and send in their best photos.
The aim of the competition is to showcase and celebrate the Black Country and its unique geology, culture and heritage in the lead up to International Geodiversity Day on 6 October.
“ We’re blessed to have some amazing greenspaces and other heritage sites across the borough.
Several of our Geopark sites were, many years ago, at the heart of the heavy industry so long associated with the Black Country. Now, many of them are quiet havens for wildlife and sanctuaries for dog walkers and others who want to explore our borough’s green lungs.
A number of our Geosites gained the UNESCO status because of their geological importance — the plants, trees and wildlife at the various sites are all linked to the underlying geology and the impact that has on soil composition.
The competition is open to everyone and it isn’t a photography competition in the sense of looking for technical perfection. It’s about capturing the heart and soul of our Geoparks and getting across what makes them special to you. “
One overall winner and three runners-up will be selected by the Mayors of the four Black Country boroughs. Prizes for the overall winner include a family pass for Dudley Zoo and Castle, a trip into the singing cavern at Dudley Canal and Tunnel trust and a family ticket for the bonfire and fireworks event at Walsall Arboretum on Saturday 5 November 2022.
Eight additional entries will be highly commended and they will be chosen by representatives from the Geopark’s partner organisations.
All 12 entries will be displayed at the Geopark’s headquarters (Dudley Museum at the Archives) and used as the ‘face of the Geopark’ in its calendar for 2023.
People can send their entries to blackcountrygeopark@dudley.gov.uk. The closing date is Friday 16 September and the winner will be announced on the inaugural international geodiversity day on 6 October.
The competition is open to all ages. Terms and conditions apply.
The Geopark spans the four Black Country regions and captures the amazing story told by the heritage within more than 40 Geosites and the wider industrial landscape of the Black Country.
Terms and conditions apply.
Geosites in the borough of Walsall
Barr Beacon https://blackcountrygeopark.dudley.gov.uk/sites-to-see/barr-beacon-local-nature-reserve/
Moorcroft Wood https://blackcountrygeopark.dudley.gov.uk/sites-to-see/moorcroft-wood-local-nature-reserve/
Brownhills mining heritage monuments https://blackcountrygeopark.dudley.gov.uk/sites-to-see/brownhills-mining-heritage-monuments/
Walsall Arboretum https://blackcountrygeopark.dudley.gov.uk/sites-to-see/walsall-arboretum/
Walsall Geotrail, museums and New Art Gallery https://blackcountrygeopark.dudley.gov.uk/sites-to-see/walsall-geotrail-museums-and-art-gallery/
Shire Oak Quarry https://blackcountrygeopark.dudley.gov.uk/sites-to-see/shire-oak-quarry-local-nature-reserve/
Hay Head Quarry https://blackcountrygeopark.dudley.gov.uk/sites-to-see/hay-head-quarry/
Daw End Railway Cutting and Linley Wood https://blackcountrygeopark.dudley.gov.uk/sites-to-see/daw-end-railway-cutting-and-linley-wood/
Park Lime Pits https://blackcountrygeopark.dudley.gov.uk/sites-to-see/park-lime-pits-local-nature-reserve/
How to enter
- Photographs should be sent in a jpeg format via email to blackcountrygeopark@dudley.gov.uk. Photos can also be sent via WeTransfer to the same address
- Entries should specify the location of the image(s) and must include the photographer’s name, age and address and a contact telephone number
- One entry per person is permitted. One entry can include up to five photos
Prizes
The overall winner will win:
- Family pass to Dudley Zoo and Castle
- Trip into the Singing Cavern with Dudley Canal and Tunnel trust
- Spend the day with an expert from the Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark
- One family ticket for the bonfire and fireworks event at Walsall Arboretum on Saturday 5 November 2022
Runners up will be given one of the following prizes at the discretion of the competition organisers:
- Afternoon Tea at Himley
- £30 shop voucher Red House Glass Cone
- Two tickets for a glass fusing class at the Red House Cone
Each runner-up will also be given two tickets to the bonfire and fireworks event at Walsall Arboretum on Saturday 5 November 2022
