Forests in focus – student photography competition returns

The OneFortyOne photo competition is back, launching today in celebration of National Forestry Day.

Corporate Affairs Manager Charlene Riley said the competition is designed to inspire young people to get out, explore, and appreciate the forest.

“Plantation pine forests are such a familiar part of our landscape,” Charlene said.

“We often highlight the timber industry for its practical benefits, storing carbon, building homes, fencing farms, and supplying fibre for packaging and potting mix – it can be easy to forget the beauty of the forest itself.”

“This competition is a chance to slow down and see it through fresh eyes.”

To enter the competition, students are asked to share a short reflection on what the forest means to them, along with their photos.

“The written reflections we receive each year are very thoughtful,” Charlene said.

“From imaginative stories about spotting monkeys in the trees, allegedly, to reflections connecting a pine tree to the meaning of life, they’re always interesting.”

This year, selected entries will be featured in a calendar, replacing the previous exhibition format.

“The calendar will be a way to celebrate the forest and student creativity all year round,” Charlene said.

Winners will be selected in both primary and secondary school categories and awarded their choice of a new iPad Air, DJI drone, or GoPro.

To enter, students should submit a photo and completed entry form to weloveforests@onefortyone.com by Friday, 17th October.

For entry forms, terms and conditions, and more information, visit the Community section of the OneFortyOne website: onefortyone.com/community/photo-competition