Winners announced for the Northumberland National Park Photography Award 2026
The winners of the Northumberland National Park Photography Award 2026 have been announced.
Northumberland National Park Authority also revealed that inaugural competition attracted 247 entries across People and Place categories, which were narrowed down to a shortlist of 26 striking images demonstrating the extraordinary breadth of the National Park.
The People and Place category winners were chosen by the park’s 70th anniversary campaign corporate partners Community Foundation North East and Tarmac, but perhaps the most coveted prize – the People’s Choice Award and being named Northumberland National Park’s Photographer of the Year – was entirely decided by the public.
Following a two week online public vote, Claire Forsythe’s photograph That’ll Do attracted the most votes, honouring her as the People’s Choice winner and Northumberland National Park’s Photographer of the Year.
Claire says she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family and her two dogs. Her photograph features a farmer on a quad bike on a windy drystone wall lined road in the heart of the Breamish Valley, with loyal sheepdogs in tow.
Claire, who lives in Northumberland, added: “I have always had a passion for photography and can’t think of a better way to showcase the beauty of Northumberland and the surrounding areas in the North East.”
Community Foundation North East chose Luke Donockley’s photograph Simonside to win the People category.
The photograph shows a figure standing on the famous Simonside ridge in silhouette in front of the striking backdrop of the Milky Way.
Tarmac chose Golden Passage by Nick Smith as the winner of the Place category. The photograph depicts Hadrian’s Wall winding over the Whin Sill at Walltown Country Park, bathed in golden light.
Tony Gates, chief executive of Northumberland National Park, said: “We are pleased to welcome such an outstanding range of entries in our first Photography Award.
“The diversity and quality of the images submitted reflect the remarkable breadth of landscapes, wildlife and heritage, together with everyday life, happening across our National Park.
“Together, they form a vivid and compelling portrait of the place that continues to inspire so many and serves as a fitting tribute to it and the enduring beauty and relevance of the park.”
The Northumberland National Park Photography Award 2026 exhibition will open at The Sill on Friday, March 27 and will run until Sunday, June 21.