We are holding an open day as part of Maidstone’s BIG DAY OUT on Saturday 13th June 2026, At our open day, we are launching two exciting competitions and welcome everyone to get creative and enter!
The theme is “New beginnings”
These competitions are open from 13th June 2026 until 23rd August 2026.
Photographic Competition
All photographic images must have been taken in the reserve within the competition period.
Entries must be digital and submitted by email. All forms of camera, including mobile devices, can be used.
Email your entries to:
There will be three categories:
- Junior Photographer (Under 12)
- Young Photographer (12-18)
- Adult Photographer
All entrants may submit a maximum of three entries making it clear which category has been entered, your name, where you come from and as accurately as possible where in the Reserve your image was taken. Entries must be submitted to the appropriate email address no later than 29th August 2026.
Judging will be by a panel of three VVNR representatives with intimate knowledge of the Reserve. 1st, 2nd and 3rd places will be awarded for each category and the judging panel will choose one overall winner, from the three categories.
Category winners will be announced via our website and social media.
Prizes will be awarded to each of the category winners and the overall winner.
Good luck to everyone that enters!
Terms and Conditions
- We will only use your email address details, to contact you if there is an issue with your entry or to inform you if you have won
- All images must have been taken in Vinters Valley Nature Reserve
- All entrants may submit a maximum of three entries making it clear which category has been entered, your name, where you come from and as accurately as possible where in the Reserve your image was taken (signs are located around the Reserve depicting the various areas)
- Please ensure that each image is no larger than 16MB in size
- Images should be submitted by email and advise us that your entry has been accompanied by a donation to the Reserve. (Suggested £4 per entry or Image.)
- All images submitted may be used by VVNR\VVPT CIO on social media, website, publications and promotional materials (with full credit to the photographer unless otherwise opted out)
- By submitting images to the competition and not informing us of any objections, you are agreeing to our terms.
- Copyright remains with the photographer
- Entrants under the age of 16 years need to have parent or guardian consent to enter
- Images of domestic pets are not eligible
Wildlife Photography Best Practice
- Take care using flash – Animals are very sensitive to light and can be scared or temporarily blinded by a strong flash
- Don’t get too close. Animals are likely to get stressed and panic if you get too close to their home. They may even feel forced to abandon their location and this can have fatal consequences, particularly if there is young
- Be careful where you tread. Stick to designated paths and tracks to avoid damage to habitat and vulnerable wildlife
- The flora and fauna should not be disturbed
- Take care around the lake or the stream. Always be aware of your surroundings when taking photographs
- Be conscious of members of the public using the Reserve and of other photographers
Art Competition
Entries should be no larger than A3 and can be in any medium: crayon, pastel, oils, watercolour etc
There will be three categories:
- Junior Artist (Under 12)
- Young Artist (12-18)
- Adult Artist
Email your scanned entries to:
All entrants may submit a maximum of three entries making it clear which category has been entered, your name, where you come from and as accurately as possible where in the Reserve your inspiration was taken. Entries should be scanned and sent to the appropriate email address.
Entries entered into the Junior Artist category should include their age.
Judging will be by a panel of three VVNR representatives with intimate knowledge of the Reserve. 1st, 2nd and 3rd places will be awarded for each category and the judging panel will choose one overall winner, from the three categories
Category winners will be announced via our website and social media
Prizes will be awarded to each of the category winners and the overall winner.
Good luck to everyone that enters!
Terms and Conditions
- We will only use your email address details, to contact you if there is an issue with your entry or to inform you if you have won
- All entries must have been inspired by Vinters Valley Nature Reserve
- All entrants may submit a maximum of three entries making it clear which category has been entered, your name, where you come from and as accurately as possible where in the Reserve your inspiration was taken (signs are located around the Reserve depicting the various areas)
- Scanned images of your art should be submitted by email Images and advise us that your entry has been accompanied by a donation to the Reserve. (Suggested £4 per entry or Image.)
- Please ensure that each scan is no larger than 16MB in size
- Any medium is acceptable: crayon, watercolour, oils, pencil etc
- All images submitted may be used by VVNR\VVPT CIO on social media, website, publications and promotional materials (with full credit to the photographer unless otherwise opted out)
- By submitting entries to the competition and not informing us of any objections, you are agreeing to our terms.
- Copyright remains with the artist
- Entrants under the age of 16 years need to have parent or guardian consent to enter
Important dates
Competitions run from: 13th June 2026 – 23rd August 2026
Closing date for submissions: 29th August 2026. Entries received after this date will not be eligible
Category winners and the overall winners announced on Saturday 12th September 2026 on our Website.
Category winners will be invited to attend a presentation at a future event in the Reserve.