Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) have extended the closing date for their forest photography competition.

The ‘Trees in our Lives’ photo competition, which aims to highlight the benefits provided by trees and forests, is open to all ages with both junior and adult categories.

Budding (non-professional) photographers and photo enthusiasts will now be able to submit their entries until 5:00p.m on Friday, August 22, 2025.

‘Trees in our lives’ is a three themed competition focusing on some of the key tangible benefits from trees and forests in our lives and the world around us.

The competition takes participants to wonderful settings among trees to enjoy nature, promote wellness and relaxation.

According to Teagasc and DAFM, "trees and forests provide multiple services for people, ranging from carbon storage and protection of water quality to increased income and employment opportunities, many in rural areas".

Up to August 22, participants can continue to submit up to one image for each of the three themes within this competition.

Theme 1: Trees and Water. The first theme covers images that capture and reflect the beauty of trees and water in combination.
Theme 2: Trees on the Farm. This theme can apply to images of all aspects of trees on the farm. Images may include how forests and trees can complement other farming activities and enhance the overall landscape; how trees provide shelter from wind and sun for farm animals and crops and how overall farm sustainability is enhanced by suitably planted trees.
Theme 3: Trees and Biodiversity. The final theme invites participants to capture images of the wealth of animal and plant life in and around forests. As well as captivating tree species, forest habitats can sustain a vast range of birds, insects, fungi as well as flowering and fruit bearing plants.

Each theme will have a prize, sponsored by DAFM, of €300 for an adult category winner and €150 for a junior category winner.

This year there will be runners-up in each category and in each theme. Runners-up prizes include €100 per adult runner-up and €50 per junior runner-up.