Aspiring photographers are being urged to enter a rural competition which has been launched to celebrate the region's array of wildlife and habitats.
The West Midlands Wildlife Photography Competition 2005 forms part of a project carried out by the West Midlands Biodiversity Partnership, called Rebuilding Regional Biodiversity.
The project aims to raise the profile of the needs and issues surrounding the region's wildlife, including threats such as climate change, changing land uses, and development.
Steve Holliday, chair of WMBP said: "The evocative images we received last year have helped to influence policy-makers and the public alike to help conserve our wildlife and habitats." Last year's winners featured on regional television, as well as in both regional and national magazines.
This year's competition has four categories: landscapes, plants, animals and a junior wildlife photography award with a 'four seasons' theme.
One winner will be picked from each category, and then the overall winner will be chosen. Award-winning wildlife photographer Nick Garbutt, who will be speaking at the prize-giving in December, is helping to judge the entries.
The star prize - donated by photography firm Sigma - is an 18-125mm wide angle to telephoto zoom lens made especially for a digital SLR camera. For more information visit www.wmbp.org or contact Helen Taylor on 0121 454 8018.
The closing date for entries is October 31.
