GWCT launches an expanded 2022 Schools Art Competition

Youngsters are invited to submit a piece of artwork showing their favourite species of British game or wildlife in its natural habitat.

The aim of the competition is to encourage pupils to do a little research into some of our native species of game and wildlife.

In doing so, they will learn about the needs of these animals and birds, their preferred habitat and what they eat for example.

The more youngsters can be encouraged to engage in these topics then the more they will learn about the countryside, hopefully go on to find a passion and interest and possibly even a career that involves working in and protecting our rural environment.

One exciting aspect of this year’s competition is the new format for the prizegiving event.

This will take place at Fingask Castle, Perthshire, and pupils, their parents and teachers will all be invited to come and enjoy a day of activities including falconry displays, seeing gun dogs at work, art workshops in the castle, game cookery and tasting and estate activities organised by the Scotland's Regional Moorland Groups.

Of course, the regular prizes of farm visits and art workshops will also be awarded, as well as art materials, books, vouchers and certificates.

The competition would not be possible without the help of the artists who both judge the entries and generously provide prizes. Julian Jardine of Jardine Gallery, Perth has supported the competition for over 15 years offering clay workshops to prize winners.

Mel Shand, the Finzean-based wildlife artist welcomes winners to her home where they can enjoy private drawing lessons and this year Emily Crookshank also joins the competition team. Emily was one of the ‘Artists in Action’ at the GWCT Scottish Game Fair this year, and her art is inspired by the wilds of the Cairngorms.

Information packs are being sent out to all schools and will be available soon on the GWCT website www.gwct.org.uk/schoolart