The Pollinator Project is announcing a new category in the Bailiwick Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition run by Guernsey Arts.
This award has been made possible by generous donations made in memory of Barry Wells, co-founder of the charity, who passed away earlier this year.
Gordon Steele, Chair of the Pollinator Project, said: “Barry was passionate about pollinating insects, including bees, butterflies, moths and was also an acclaimed wildlife photographer. His images can still be seen on his website. Every year he went to junior and primary schools and enthused children across the Bailiwick with his love of pollinators using his slo-mo films and fantastic photography. It was a joy to go with Barry to one of these special assemblies.”
In 2023 a wall of his photographs was featured in the Wildlife Photography exhibition and went on tour to Sark and Alderney. “Rather than leave these in a cupboard we donated them to Elizabeth College where they will be displayed and available as a teaching aid. Barry would have been delighted that they were considered good enough for this” said Jayne Wells, on behalf of Barry’s family.
The award of £500 and membership of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust will be made annually for the next 3 years for the best photograph or short film of a pollinating insect in Guernsey taken by anyone in full or part-time education up to the age of 24.
“You don’t need a macro lens or super sophisticated cameras to take great quality photos these days. Smartphones give everyone a chance of winning’, said Gordon.
“We often think of pollinators as honeybees but in Guernsey we have thousands of other species involved in this vital process. Pollinators come in all shapes and sizes, some of the most important and surprising pollinators are flies, beetles, and bugs. But very many butterflies, moths and bees also carry out this vital process which helps our flowers grow and is essential for our food.
“The winner might have caught a moment on their phone, showing a butterfly on a flower, a bumblebee covered in pollen or a mason bee in a bee hotel. We look forward to seeing the entries.”
Pictured: Barry Wells at the 2024 Wildlife Photographer Exhibition
