During the lockdowns of 2020 through 2021, many of us spent more time in the outdoors to escape the current reality. This meant that we took up walking in local parks, along country footpaths or exploring and sitting in our gardens. We had time to discover new, wild places on our doorsteps, we puzzled at plants and insects we did not recognise, and we watched quietly when we encountered birds or wild animals.
Some of these sights were so special, that we captured them on our phones and cameras, creating lasting memories of nature’s extraordinary secrets.
Inspired by our Leaves of Southwell project, we invited as many people as possible to enter our photography competition and share their own special lockdown discoveries.
Hundreds of awe-inspiring images were submitted and subsequently narrowed down by our Education Team at the Minster before the final 24 were judged and selected for this exhibition by professional photographer, Tracey Whitefoot.
We hope you enjoy viewing these stunning images, the top 12 of which feature in our special 2022 Calendar which is be available to purchase online here, and will be available from The Cathedral Shop soon.
Below are just some of the wonderful images we received.