BBC presenter Hamza Yassin launches wildlife images competitors for youngsters

If your baby loves recognizing birds, bugs and wildlife on household walks, there’s a brand new purpose to get outdoor with a digicam. BBC wildlife presenter and nature campaigner Hamza Yassin has teamed up with Aviva and The Wildlife Trusts to launch a images competitors encouraging kids to find Britain’s uncommon temperate rainforests.

The Rainforest Explorers Photography Competition is open to kids aged 4 to 11, with kids invited to {photograph} wildlife and nature both in one of many UK’s temperate rainforests or nearer to residence.

The initiative comes after analysis discovered that many kids and adults are unfamiliar with these uncommon habitats, regardless of their significance to wildlife.

Children are being inspired to find the UK’s hidden rainforests

Temperate rainforests could sound like one thing you’d discover a lot additional afield, however they exist in components of the UK, together with the Highlands and Argyll, the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), Dartmoor and Ceredigion.

The analysis discovered that simply 24% of oldsters surveyed stated their kids had learnt concerning the UK’s temperate rainforests in school.

Most individuals are amazed to find that we now have rainforests proper right here within the UK.

Meanwhile, 61% of individuals surveyed have been unable to determine the right definition of a temperate rainforest.

These habitats are notably wealthy in wildlife, offering a house for species together with pine martens and pink squirrels.

Hamza Yassin stated: “Most people are amazed to discover that we have rainforests right here in the UK. These hidden, magical places and bursting with wildlife and play an important role in tackling climate change, so I’m passionate about helping more people discover them.

“It’s why I’m so excited to team up with Aviva, supported by The Wildlife Trusts, to launch the Rainforest Explorers Photography Competition. I’m inviting young nature lovers to grab a camera, head outdoors and show us the natural world through their eyes. Whether they explore a rainforest or local green space, I can’t wait to see what they discover. Nature is full of surprises, and you never know what might be hiding just around the corner!”

There’s an option for children who can’t visit a rainforest

Parents don’t need to plan a trip across the country for their child to take part. The competition has two categories, meaning children can photograph nature wherever they live.

• Rainforest Explorers: photographs taken in a UK temperate rainforest.
• Urban Jungle: photographs of nature and wildlife closer to home, such as in a garden, park, woodland, pond or other local green space.

This means children can take part whether or not their family is within easy reach of one of the UK’s rainforest habitats.

How children can enter

The competition is divided into two age groups, 4 to 7 and 8 to 11 years old.

Children can visit a UK temperate rainforest with family, friends or their school, or explore a local green space for the Urban Jungle category. They can then take a photograph and choose their favourite image.

A parent or guardian must submit the entry on the child’s behalf.

The winners will be invited to take part in a wildlife photography masterclass in a UK temperate rainforest with young wildlife photographer Jamie Smart, who will share tips for photographing wildlife and help the winners develop their skills.

Why are Britain’s temperate rainforests important?

Britain’s temperate rainforests are now among the country’s rarest habitats. They once covered as much as 20% of Britain but now account for less than 1% of land cover.

The research suggests there is also a knowledge gap around the role these habitats play in supporting the environment. Two thirds of people surveyed did not know that temperate rainforests can slow the flow of heavy rainfall, helping to reduce the risk of flooding.

Nearly three in five people surveyed also did not realise that these forests absorb and store carbon, while 65% were unaware that they can help stabilise soils and reduce erosion and landslides after heavy rain.

For families, the competition offers a simple way to turn a walk, woodland visit or trip outdoors into an opportunity for children to learn more about the wildlife and natural world around them.

Full details and entry information are available at www.aviva.com/rainforest-explorers.