Brighton & Hove's Tree Photo Competition Winners Revealed

Fri 31 May 2024

Brighton & Hove residents, prepare to be enchanted by the stunning entries of the first ‘I love this tree because’ photographic competition, unveiled just in time for the Brighton & Hove Tree Festival. With over 100 entries, the competition celebrated the beauty and significance of local trees through the lens of talented photographers. The top submissions will be showcased at Jubilee Library from Monday, 3 June, to Saturday, 8 June.

The competition saw Ryan Busuttil clinching first prize and £150 for his evocative image of a horse chestnut tree in Stanmer Park, titled “All that’s broken is not lost.” Ryan’s photo, composed with the help of his friend Veronika Toth, captures a tree that stands resilient despite its scars.

He said: “I love this tree because it captures hope. Scarred and fractured by the elements; it stands alone and fractured. Yet it still brings life to the world with re-growth, resilience and belonging.”

Krish Nanwani Hathiramani took second place with his captivating shot of windblown hawthorns on the Brighton Downland Estate, while Annette Radford’s abstract image of an exotic Amur Cork tree in Brighton earned her third place. Both received £75 for their efforts. Elliana Stavrou’s striking silhouette of a cedar tree in Stanmer Park woods earned her a runner-up spot and a complimentary haircut from North Laine Hair Company.

The task of judging these remarkable entries fell to an expert panel, including Beatrice Haverich of Brighton Metropolitan College, Daisy O’Neil from BHASVIC, Juliet Sargeant, an award-winning garden designer, and Barnaby Ash and Dru Plumb of Ash & Plumb sculptors. Volunteer organiser Penny Hudd praised the fantastic response and the variety of personal stories behind each photograph, making the shortlisting process a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Don’t miss the chance to see these incredible images and celebrate the natural beauty of Brighton & Hove. Head to Jubilee Library from 3 June to 8 June to immerse yourself in this unique exhibition.


Image: Ryan Busuttil & Veronika Toth: “All that’s broken is not lost”