Northumberland National Park celebrates winners of photography competition in 70th anniversary year

A quad bike and sheepdogs trundling along a country road, a silhouette against the Milky Way, and Hadrian's Wall bathed in golden light have been named the winners of Northumberland National Park's inaugural photography award. The competition was set up to recognise outstanding images showcasing the park's landscapes, heritage, wildlife and people as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations. Three winners were chosen from a shortlist of 26 , with the people's choice award decided by a public vote.

All of the photographs shortlisted will be on display at the Sill from Friday, March 27. Tony Gates, chief executive of Northumberland National Park, said: "

We are pleased to welcome such an outstanding range of entries in our first Photography Award. The diversity and quality of the images submitted reflect the remarkable breadth of landscapes, wildlife, and heritage together with everyday life happening across our National Park. "

Together, they form a vivid and compelling portrait of the place that continues to inspire so many and serves as a fitting tribute to it and the enduring beauty and relevance of the National Park in its 70th anniversary year." Claire Forsythe's got the most public votes over two weeks for her photograph "

That'll Do", showing a farmer on a quad bike on a windy drystone wall lined road in the heart of the Breamish Valley with sheepdogs in tow. Claire, who lives in Northumberland , enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family and two dogs.

She said: "I have always had a passion for photography and can't think of a better way to showcase the beauty of Northumberland and the surrounding areas in the North East." Claire's win in the people's choice category means she's also been named the Northumberland National Park photographer of the year. North East Community Foundation chose Luke Donockley's photograph ”

Simonside" to win the people category. It shows a silhouette of a figure on the famous Simonside ridge in silhouette with the Milky Way overhead taken last December. John Hollingsworth of the foundation said: ”

We love the way this image captures the powerful effects of the dark skies in the National Park. Showing someone enjoying the night sky in this way helps to demonstrate one of the Park's most important strengths; something that precious few places in England can offer." Luke, an amateur photographer from Hexham, said: "I took the opportunity to get a photo of myself as a memory of a long, cold but very beautiful night under the stars.”

Nick Smith won the place category for his photograph "

Golden Passage". It shows Hadrian's Wall winding over the Whin Sill at Walltown Country Park, bathed in golden light. Landscape photographer Nick started taking a photos as it: "sparked a curiosity that soon grew into a new way of seeing the world." Richard Barradell, strategic planning manager for Tarmac, who chose the winning photo said: ”

This is a typical Northumberland landscape that perfectly encapsulates the rugged beginning of the uplands, with the stony whinstone ridge being synonymous with the Northumberland landscape. The warm sunset light sweeping across the terrain creates a strong emotional impact, and the natural framing by the rocky foreground adds a sense of immersion. "

The image feels expansive, almost cinematic. The photograph simultaneously gives you rugged beauty and the feeling of being at peace." The Northumberland National Park Photography Award 2026 exhibition opens at The Sill on Friday, March 27 and will run until Sunday, June 21.

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