David England's photo of a Greater Spotted Woodpecker in Queens Park shortlisted in photography competition

Photo: David England

Woodpecker by David England

A photograph of a Greater Spotted Woodpecker taken by David England in Queens Park in Heywood has been shortlisted in a competition which celebrates the heritage trees, woods and wildlife of Greater Manchester.

The competition is organised by City of Trees, alongside the RSPB and Lancashire Wildlife Trust and forms part of City of Trees’ Heritage Trees project which aims to celebrate, record and protect our local tree heritage - the trees, woodlands, hedgerows and orchards which are part of the fabric of our towns and cities.

Photographer David England said: “I have fed the birds in a secluded part of our local park, Queens Park, Heywood, for a number of years, they have become accustomed to my presence and being a keen photographer they allow me to get close up without a hide.

“I had recently noticed jays in the area and started leaving 'monkey nuts' around and made myself scarce behind some Himalayan Balsam three metres away. Imagine my surprise when this greater spotted male woodpecker turned up and posed for a few seconds, made my day.”

The competition was open to both amateur and professional photographers, showcasing both urban and rural settings, highlighting the importance of the City region’s parks, open spaces, woodlands and trees.

The top three images in each of the four categories; Terrific Trees; Woodland Wildlife; Fantastic Forests and Connecting communities; have been shortlisted by the judges, with the public deciding the winner in each category.

The winning entries will receive photography vouchers, a coffee table book, and an RSPB ‘Home for Nature’ and Garden Wildlife Handbook, as well as a goody bag.

The public can vote for their favorite image at:

www.heritagetrees.org.uk/photo-finalists

Closing on Sunday 13 November.