Aberdeen’s favourite trees captured on camera
26/02/13
Stunning photographs showing off some of Aberdeen’s most striking trees in their glory have been selected as the winning entries in the Aberdeen’s Favourite Trees competition.
The contest was launched last year to capture some images of the city's most treasured trees and woodlands, which will be used in the preparation of a Tree and Woodland Strategy for Aberdeen.
Almost 100 entries were received, with contestants keen to win a native sapling of their own, and the chance to have their picture featured in the strategy and an exhibition.
First prize has been awarded to Michelle Joss for her captivating picture of a Redwood tree taken at Hazlehead Park. It will be used as part of the design for the new logo for the Granite City Forest. Second place went to David Watson for his image Duthie Park 1, which shows what some of the mature Beech trees at Duthie Park. Crown of reds and golds taken at Hazlehead Park secured third place for Lyn Cadger.
The winner of the Young Person's category is nine-year-old Marcin Kowalski of the EAL Service at Sunnybank School who impressed the judges with his image, These Trees are Very Pretty, which was taken near the school.
Arboricultural planner Duncan McGregor, who organised the contest, said: "We received a great response to the competition and some fantastic entries. I am really pleased that so many people took the time to go out and take pictures of their favourite trees and send them in to us. The judges did not have an easy task deciding on the winners.
"It is great to have such a good selection of high quality images to use in the city's Tree and Woodland Strategy. Of course, the competition had a green element to it as well – each of the winners will receive a native sapling.
Duncan added: "Trees, woodland and forests provide a number of important benefits to society, many of which are not immediately obvious. Trees are an important renewable resource that can be harvested and planted, they provide oxygen, help to filter harmful pollution and absorb and store carbon.
"They are a useful resource for education, recreation, building, food, paper and provide valuable habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. They are significant landscape features both in rural and urban situations, provide a strong sense of place and their presence can increase property values."