Photography winner Paul donates tree to popular park
Published: 7 December 2020
The winner of a photography competition has donated his prize of a tree to a popular city park.
Generous Paul Osborne didn’t have room in his own garden so instead allowed the tree to be planted in Heavitree Pleasure Ground.
The park is one of Paul’s favourite haunts and the location for his winning photograph – a stunning image of a blue sky above a group of oak trees.
Paul’s image caught the eyes of judges in the City Council’s tree photography competition.
The Council asked people to take a picture of their favourite tree in the city as part of National Tree Week. The competition was a success with more than 70 entries.
Paul said: “We've recently planted some new trees in the garden, some birches from Stone Lane Gardens, so we don't have any room left!”
Paul’s prize was a tree donated by Devon Tree Services and a framed photograph of the winning image.
Paul said: “We love this group of oak trees and our dog loves the squirrels that live in them. The photo was taken on an early morning walk during lockdown - when Exeter's parks and green spaces really came into their own.”
The junior competition was won by six-year-old Olienna Cardnell, whose image of a ‘Golden Tree’ at Exeter Quay, wowed judges. Olienna also wins a tree, donated by the City Council and a framed print of her picture.
Olienna’s twin brother, Rupert, came second in the junior category and also received a framed photograph for his efforts.
Cllr David Harvey, Lead Councillor for City Management, said: “I was impressed with the quality of entries. We received so many stunning images of so many beautiful trees. Paul’s image of the Heavitree oaks scored highly with all four judges, making it the stand-out winner.
“I am so pleased people have continued to get out and enjoy Exeter’s parks and open spaces during what has been a difficult year for us all. Nature can be a healer and we know that trees and the wildlife habitats that they represent can have a great effect on mental health.
“We have planted thousands of trees in Exeter over recent years and will continue to do so. Over the coming weeks we have 56 standard sized trees (1-3m tall) and 100 whips ready to be planted and that’s not including Paul and Olienna’s trees!”