Two local nature lovers

have been shortlisted for a national photography prize by capturing on

film the benefits of mucking in to help the environment.

The

photographs, both taken in the West Country, will now compete against

two other finalists to win the Muck in 4 Life competition.

Muck

in 4 Life is a Defra campaign to encourage more people to get involved

in conservation projects and to show that being active outdoors,

whether in urban green spaces or the natural environment, has physical

and mental health benefits.

The photographic competition asked

volunteers from across the country taking part in Muck in 4 Life

activities to capture images of their conservation projects in action.

From

more than 50 entries, the judges have narrowed the field down to 4

finalists and those photos will be displayed at the third annual

International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Royal

Botanic Gardens, Kew, from May 1 when category winners for the North

and the South and the overall winner will be announced.

The West Country finalists are:

• Ilene Sterns with a photo of Rhododendron clearing on Lundy Island

• Beryl Heaton with a photo of bulb planting on Highridge Common in Bristol

Andrew Lawson, professional photographer and member of the judging panel said: -

"We,

as the judging panel were impressed by the inspirational quality of the

photographs and the stories they told of some truly life-enhancing

projects. We would like to congratulate all those who took part in the

Muck in 4 Life activities, those who entered the competition and of

course, our four finalists."

Huw Irranca-Davies, Environment Minister said: -

"These

are all great photos and picking a winner will be a difficult task. All

of the photos show the enjoyment people get from mucking in to help the

environment. I hope even more people will muck in this year and help

with conservation volunteering which, as well as being fun, is good for

both the volunteers and our environment."