#PictureGreenLondon - the winners!

In July 2020, we launched CPRE London’s first photography competition #PictureGreenLondon and we’re thrilled to announce the winners!

This year’s events have highlighted just how precious London’s green spaces are for everyone. Whether for their beauty, tranquillity, or just a place to escape, London’s natural habitats are key to ensuring our mental and physical wellbeing. We have come to appreciate them now more than ever.

We asked Londoners to get behind the lens and capture the interaction of London’s green spaces with urban surroundings and diverse resident neighbourhoods. The response was incredible, and we received a fantastic array of entries that showcase London’s natural cityscape, including detailed wildlife shots, captivating landscapes, and intimate community engagement.

The images were judged by an impressive line-up of key figures in London’s photography and environmental community including Professor Kate Jones (Professor of Ecology and Biodiversity, UCL) Derek Man (Royal Photographic Society Exhibitor), and Shirley Rodrigues (Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Greater London Authority).

After much deliberation, our judges came to a final decision and picked their favourites. Congratulations to our winner and two runners-up!

WINNER

‘Heading to the basketball court, Brockwell park’ by Marieke Wrigley

“This is a place I visit regularly and is one of my favourite views in Brockwell park. I have benefited enormously from having being able to go to Brockwell park every day during lockdown and have been Crowdfunding to publish a book called: ‘Smelling the flowers – what a city park meant during lockdown’ a bringing together of photos I took each day in the park and then shared via social media and reflections from people of what having access to a park had meant to them. I am delighted to say that I am going to reach the Crowdfunding target and so will be able to publish the book.”

Shirley Rodrigues was full of praise for the unique image: “This winning image is not only enticing in its composition, but perfectly captures the city’s natural environment serving our community. It is an aesthetically captivating and important reminder of how we have come to rely on and appreciate our green spaces during the pandemic.”

RUNNER UP

‘Furlough Fields’ by Marcos Bevilacqua

“London Fields (nicknamed “Furlough Fields” for the incredible amount of people attending the grounds during the lockdown) is about two blocks from my home in Hackney and where I spent a great time exercising, walking and enjoying the fresh air as soon as restrictions relaxed. The photos were taken at the end of May and are not at all staged – I only captured the activities in the park.”

Kate Jones applauded the image: “The vibrancy of colour and movement in this intimate photo really resonated with me. It so successfully captures the benefit of London’s green spaces as both a sanctuary of peaceful reflection, but also a hive of activity.”

RUNNER UP

‘Early morning in Greenwich Park’ by Candy Blackman

“…I enjoy walking and photography and the two come together as I was exploring all the green spaces in Lewisham, the borough in which I live. I love walking in the gardens, parks and woods which are all over the borough, many in unexpected places, or hidden away. It is calming and peaceful. Greenwich Park has always been a favourite haunt and this photograph was taken just after opening time during the extremely hot weather we had in August – it was magical!”

Derek Man commended the photograph’s aesthetic appeal: “A very atmospheric image that shows the tranquil park on a quiet morning, with Canary Wharf emerging in the background through the haze. Almost like a Turner.”

Congratulations to Marieke, Marcos and Candy and a huge thank you to all entrants! We encourage all our supporters to keep snapping and sharing your images with #PictureGreenLondon. Watch this space for our 2021 competition.