New Forest Picture

The Forestry Commission’s ‘Positive Image ‘07’ photographic competition will begin, on March 7. People seeking inspiration for their entries need look no further than the forest’s four ‘codes of conduct’, which were published in 2005. The leaflets, produced by the Commission’s PROGRESS team, cover the ‘dos and don’ts’ of dog walking, horse riding, cycling and visiting the area.

Competition organiser Miss Emma Stevens, said:  “The codes contain light-hearted cartoons depicting the sort of things people should never do in the forest.  We want people’s ‘Positive Image’ entries to show what visitors absolutely should do to look after the ‘New’ and get the maximum pleasure from it. And judging by the fantastic imagination hundreds of amateur photographers put into their entries to last year’s competition, we are in for a real treat.”

Miss Stevens said copies of the codes could be found on-line, at www.forestry.gov.uk/newforest, or collected from forest information centres, campsites, libraries and local shops. Entry forms can be obtained from the same website, or by writing to, ‘POSITIVE IMAGE ’07 COMPETITION’, Forestry Commission, The Queen’s House, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, SO43 7NH, or ringing, 023 8028 6841. There will be two competition classes: 16-years and older; 15-years and younger.

The prizes in both groups will comprise vouchers for photographic equipment worth £100 (1st), £75 (2nd) and £50 (3rd).

A separate prize (vouchers worth £50) will be awarded by the National Park Authority. 

It will go to the photographer whose image best shows the way people enjoy the area’s special qualities.  Details can be found on the www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/livingin website.

The closing date for all entries is Tuesday, July 31, 2007.

The winning and selected runner-up images will go on exhibition in the New Forest Museum, Lyndhurst.