Photo taken by West Chiltington man wins South Downs National Park competition

‘Chanctonbury Ring’ by Tim Kahane took the top spot in the popular photography contest which attracted more than 400 entries – a record-breaking number for the competition.

The theme for this year was ‘My Tranquil Haven’ and judges agreed that Tim’s peaceful photograph met the brief perfectly, capturing a moment of serenity amid the uncertainty of 2020.

Photographer Tim, who received a £250 prize, said: “I grew up in the shadow of the South Downs and their contour has been the backdrop to my life. Every day the school bus would follow their line and every day Chanctonbury Ring would dominate the skyline. This emphatic grouping of trees high on a scarp hillside and alone in their mythical company remains an iconic landmark in my life.

“The Downlands are a constant source of inspiration. My photograph of Chanctonbury Ring on a winter’s afternoon is an essence of my relationship with those memories and the landscape. A fraction of a second in 80 million years of evolution.”

The competition judges were award-winning photographers Finn Hopson, Carlotta Luke and Rachael Talibart, as well as Nick Heasman, countryside policy manager for the South Downs National Park Authority, and Doug Jones, SDNPA member.

Nick said: “This is the epitome of a tranquil haven. Chanctonbury Ring is an amazing place, shrouded in history and folklore and a real beacon on the South Downs. This image captures its magical beauty exceptionally well.”

The competition also included a separate category for best wildlife image – with first place going to an extraordinary photograph of a hare sprinting across a snowy field in the South Downs.

All the winning and commended images, as well as 13 other shortlisted images, will now be put forward to the People’s Choice. People will be able to vote online from Thursday, January 7, for their favourite photograph and the winning photographer will receive £100. The online poll closes at midnight on January 31.

Visit www.southdowns.gov.uk to cast your vote.

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