BUDDING photographers are being asked to head outdoors this summer and capture images of wildlife.

The Woodland Trust is inviting young people from Cheshire to take part in the first national Nature Detectives photography competition.

Children aged 14 and under are being asked to take pictures of nature, trees and woods.

There are six categories to enter: anything goes; a bug’s eye view; discovery; whatever the weather; snap it with feeling; and nature’s playground.

Danielle Evans of the Nature Detectives team said: “We’re looking for pictures that show the photographer has been on a real outdoor adventure – inspiring others to investigate their local environment and showing how natural spaces like woods are brilliant places to explore, play and have fun.

“We want as many children fromŠCheshire to enter as possible – and hopefully provide a winning entry, so get snapping!”

The winners will see their photos published on the Trust’s nature detectives website for kids and families, as well as a 2011 calendar that will be available to download for free. The overall winner will also receive a 14 mega-pixel digital camera plus bendy, wrap-around tripod. The closing date is midnight on September 30, 2010.

The competition is not looking for professional pictures, so any child 14 or under can enter, even with photos taken on their mobile phone.

For further information on how to enter and free photography tips, log on to www.naturedetectives. org.uk/photography.