A 13-year-old photographer has captured the top honor in the youth category of the Eden Project's inaugural Wildflower Photographer of the Year competition with a stunning image of Cornish heather. M. Stanway's photograph, titled "Wild in Purple," was selected as the Young People's winner from hundreds of entries showcasing British wildflowers from across the country.
The competition was organized to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the National Wildflower Centre (NWC), drawing participants from locations ranging from the Shetlands to Sark. The Eden Project reported that hundreds of photographers submitted "stunning images" of British wildflowers, creating a remarkable showcase of the nation's natural beauty.
The young winner expressed his excitement and disbelief at receiving the award, stating, "I am so happy and proud to have won, I still can't believe it." He described the moment of inspiration that led to his prize-winning photograph: "While we were out on an evening family dog walk I was amazed at how the light had turned golden and was shining through the wildflowers - it made something a bit ordinary into something extraordinary and magical."
Stanway hopes his photograph will encourage others to appreciate nature's subtle beauty, saying he wanted his image to inspire people to "see the wonder in the small things in life." The teenager's ability to transform an ordinary family walk into an award-winning photographic opportunity demonstrates the artistic potential that can be found in everyday moments.
Judge Clive Nichols, a renowned flower and garden photographer, praised the overall quality of the competition entries. He described the contest as an opportunity to "enjoy a magnificent showcase of the wildflowers" found throughout the United Kingdom. Nichols noted that "the winning photos truly encapsulate the beauty, kaleidoscope of colors and diversity of the wildflowers that we're lucky enough to have growing across our country."
The National Wildflower Centre has a significant history of conservation efforts, having been founded in 2001 before becoming part of the Eden Project in 2017. The organization's mission focuses on creating new landscapes that benefit both people and pollinators, addressing crucial environmental needs through habitat development and public education.
Juliet Rose, head of development at the Eden Project, emphasized the broader environmental message behind the competition. She highlighted the urgent need for greater public awareness of wildlife conservation, stating, "Biodiversity is in crisis and people are less connected with nature than ever." Rose expressed hope that the photography competition would serve multiple purposes: "We hope that by marking the NWC's 25th anniversary with this competition, the vital importance of wildflowers will be brought to the public's attention, while also celebrating their remarkable beauty."
The competition represents part of a larger effort to reconnect people with the natural world while raising awareness about the critical role wildflowers play in supporting biodiversity and ecosystem health across Britain.
