Public vote for Northumberland National Park's photographer of the year
Pick a picture to mark its 70th anniversary. Tony Henderson reports
From squirrels to sheep and snow to sunrise and purple skies, the finalists have been selected in a picture competition to mark the 70th anniversary of Northumberland National Park.
The public is now being invited to choose the overall winner, following the competition’s launch in December.
With no professional equipment required, entrants were encouraged to submit images taken on cameras or phones and reflect their personal connection to the national park’s outstanding 400 square miles of natural, cultural, and historical beauty.
A total of 247 entries were received, showcasing an impressive range of perspectives and talent from across the region and beyond. These have now been distilled into a shortlist of 26 images across the award’s two themes: People and Place.
The category winners will be selected by Northumberland National Park partners, North East Community Foundation and Tarmac, supporters of the National Park’s 70th anniversary programme.
But the People’s Choice category is in the hands of voters, with the winner named as Northumberland National Park Photographer of the Year 2026.
The online vote runs for two weeks from February 23 on Northumberland National Park Authority’s website.
The winners of the People’s Choice and People and Place categories will be announced in March.
All 26 shortlisted photographs will be displayed in an exhibition at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre, opening at the end of March.
Tony Gates, chief executive of Northumberland National Park Authority, said: “The breadth and variety of the entries has been remarkable, each offering a distinct perspective shaped by their personal connection to this special place.
“In our anniversary year, it is especially inspiring to see how these images capture the national park in such unique and meaningful ways.
“After all, our national parks were created to protect our finest landscapes while ensuring they remain places for everyone to access, enjoy, and experience. These finalists help tell that story beautifully and I encourage everyone to cast their vote to choose our Northumberland National Park Photographer of the Year.”
People can cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award on the Northumberland National Park website (one vote per person). Voting closes on March 8.