FAQs
Who can enter this competition?Does it cost anything to enter?
What are you looking for in the winning photograph?
Where can I take my photographs?
How many photographs can I submit?
What format should the photographs be submitted in?
Is there a size restriction for photos submitted by post?
I don’t have a digital camera, can I still enter?
What will happen to the photographs that do not win?
Who are the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund (BIG)?
What is the 'Parks for People' programme?
Why are HLF and BIG running this competition?
I want to improve my local park. What should I do?
Why do some parks get funding while other parks don’t?
What are the categories for the 2010 competition?
What happens if I win?
Who can enter this competition?
All EU residents can enter this competition.Does it cost anything to enter?
The competition is free to enter.What are you looking for in the winning photograph?
We are looking for photographs which illustrate in a creative and original way what public parks mean to people. This year’s categories are wildlife, people at play and heritage so let these themes inspire your subject matter. Please go to the ‘hints and tips’ section on this website from Mike McCartney for advice on how to take that winning shot.Where can I take my photographs?
All entries must be taken in a UK public park. This excludes theme parks, car parks, private gardens or general open countryside. We also need the proper name of the park and its location with your entry so please make sure you include this information correctly. It does not matter if the park has been funded by HLF and BIG or not.How many photographs can I submit?
You can only enter the competition once but you may submit up to five photographs.What format should the photographs be submitted in?
Please upload your photographs in JPEG format via the web site and each photograph should be no larger the 2MB.Is there a size restriction for photos submitted by post?
Ideally photos should be no more than 5x7 inches but should you win your photo will need to be enlarged to A4 size. Therefore, we request that you send us the negative of your photo as well.I don’t have a digital camera, can I still enter?
Yes. All you need to do is fill in the application form and send it with your pictures to ‘Postcards from the Park 2010’, GreenSpace, Caversham Court, Church Road, Reading, RG4 7AD to arrive no later than Sunday 1st August.What will happen to the photographs that do not win?
Once the competition is over we will delete all photographs from our system.Who are the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund (BIG)?
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) was set up by Parliament in 1994 to give grants to a wide range of projects involving the local, regional and national heritage of the UK. HLF distributes a share of the money raised by the National Lottery for good causes. Since 1994, the HLF has supported 33,900 projects, allocating £4.4billion across the UK. HLF enables communities to celebrate, look after and learn more about our diverse heritage.From our great museums, the natural environment and historic buildings, to public parks, recording and celebrating traditions, traditional skills, customs and history, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage Please visit www.hlf.org.uk to find out more.
The Big Lottery Fund (BIG), the largest distributor of National Lottery good cause funding, is responsible for giving out half the money raised for good causes by the National Lottery.
BIG is committed to bringing real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need and has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK since June 2004. The Fund was formally established by Parliament on 1 December 2006.
Please visit www.biglotteryfund.org.uk to find out more.
What is the ‘Parks for People’ programme?
The Parks for People programme uses Lottery good cause funds to support the regeneration, conservation and increased enjoyment of public parks. The programme aims to improve the local environment and put parks firmly back at the heart of community life. HLF continues to fund public park projects in 2010 with an investment of £20m each year. The next closing date for applications is 31st August 2010.Parks for People programme grants range from £250,000 to £5m with two rounds of funding each year.
Together, HLF and BIG have invested over £600 million in our public parks and green places.
Every completed park project is expected to achieve the annual prestigious Green Flag Award and in doing so demonstrate quality standards of care and upkeep.
Why are HLF and BIG running this competition?
Both HLF and BIG believe it is important that the public understand the importance of continued investment in public parks and green places and that we raise awareness of past and future lottery investment in them. The competition also serves to highlight the unique part that public parks and green spaces play in our everyday lives and promotes the joint 'Parks for People' funding scheme, supported by HLF and BIG, which has to date invested over £600m in improving and transforming public parks and green spaces.I want to improve my local park. What should I do?
Most public parks are owned and managed by local authorities, so contacting their parks department is an excellent starting point and we would urge you to do this. Parks often usually have a ‘Friends’ group which you can get involved with. Usually details and information about events can be found on the park’s own website. Your local MP may also be able to help you.Why do some parks get funding while other parks don’t?
HLF and BIG can only respond to applications which have been submitted. Competition for funding is fierce so only the best projects get approved. The way a community values the park as part of their heritage, the level of local involvement and need are among the criteria that must be satisfied for a successful application.What are the categories for the 2010 competition?
For 2010, there will be one winner from each region and country plus three special category winners. The special categories are:- People at Play
- Wildlife
- Heritage
- Over 16
- Under 16
What happens if I win?
You will be notified if you are one of the winners in August. We do not announce the overall winner until the day of the launch event itself on Friday 3rd September.You will be invited to attend the launch of the exhibition which will take place in the Café Gallery in Southwark Park, London from 2.30pm on Friday 3rd September. Reasonable travel (car/flights/trains) costs to and from the event will be paid and a high quality nearby hotel will be provided as part of the prize for one night including bed and breakfast. You are entitled to bring one guest with you. Additional guests will need to be paid for by you. Your return travel will be arranged and paid for on any day over the weekend if you decide to extend your stay, any extra nights will need to be paid for by you.
You will also be asked to help us with publicising the fact that you have won in your local media and we would ask for your flexibility in this where possible and reasonable.
We will discuss this all with you nearer the time and make every effort to ensure that you fully enjoy your prize and the chance to see your photo in the exhibition.