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Winning shots

Last modified: 23 November 2009

Winner of the Nature's Hotspots bird category 2009
Winner of the Nature's Hotspots bird category 2009 - Warren McConnaughie

Images of our most beautiful places in Northern Ireland went on display today (23.11.09) at RSPB NI's photography exhibition ‘Nature’s Hotspots’. The exhibition is the culmination of a competition that aimed to raise awareness of the importance of our most valuable wildlife areas, known as ASSIs (Areas of Special Scientific Interest).  

The results were announced at an event in Parliament Buildings, Stormont. Environment Minister, Edwin Poots, was present. 

Minister of the Environment Edwin Poots complimented RSPB on the great success of their competition and exhibition, and the many photographers for their efforts. He went on to say: 

“I hope that this will bring to public attention our ASSIs which are so important for the protection of Northern Ireland’s most rare and vulnerable habitats and species.” 

The Minister added: “Significant progress has already been made in protecting most important parts of our natural heritage, with 288 ASSIs having been declared to date. But we acknowledge that more needs to be done, and we expect to have something in the region of 440 sites declared by 2016.  This represents a very significant challenge – but it is one that must be met if we wish to ensure that Northern Ireland’s ‘Nature’s Hotspots’ are safeguarded for future generations.” 

There were four categories in the competition: Landscape, Wildlife, Birds and Under-16. Entries featured everything from the cheeky robin to breathtaking shots of White Park Bay and exquisite close ups of damselflies. RSPB volunteer photographers also visited a number of ASSIs capturing images of flora, fauna, landscapes and habitats. 

Winner of the Overall and Landscape categories, Dr Domhnall Brannigan, who now lives in Sydney, captured a moody Murlough Bay with the Mournes in the background. 

He said, “I spent a beautiful early summer evening shooting a variety of shots with the majestic Mourne mountains as a backdrop to Murlough beach – two of my favourite childhood haunts. I miss the unspoilt beauty of this special place.” 

Also speaking at the event, RSPB NI Director, Dr James Robinson said: “Our natural environment is one of our most prized assets and deserves to be protected for future generations. Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs) are the jewels of our natural heritage and we need to ensure these sites are kept safe and sound.  The images on display are just a snapshot of the fantastic habitats and wildlife that can be found in Northern Ireland's wonderful ASSI network.” 

The other winners were Jack Hughes from Belfast, Warren McConnaughie from Ballyclare and Andrew Mulholland from Coleraine. They won the Wildlife, Birds and Under 16 categories, respectively. The Wildlife winner was of a young fox yawning on a summer’s day, while the winning shot in the Under 16 category was of the Giant's Causeway. The best Birds shot was of a robin.

To see the winning pictures visit www.rspb.org.uk/natureshotspots

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