Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) have launched a photo competition aiming to showcase the benefits provided by trees and forests.

The ‘Trees in our Lives’ photo competition is open to all ages with both junior and adult categories.

The competition provides an opportunity for non-professional photographers and photo enthusiasts to get snapping while being in with a chance to win prizes.

According to Teagasc, 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.

"The right trees, established in the right places, enhance the landscape, improve biodiversity, provide shelter and generate additional income," the authority said.

The 'Trees in our lives' competition focuses on three consecutive forest themes running from May 19 to 5:00p.m on July 14, 2025.

Over this period, participants can submit one image for each of the following themes.

Trees and Water: The first theme covers images that capture and reflect the beauty of trees and water in combination.
Trees on the Farm: The second 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.
Trees and Biodiversity: The third 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.

The overall winners will be presented with their prizes by the Minister of State for Forestry Michael Healy-Rae at the National Ploughing Championships in mid-September.

The six winning photos will be displayed at the National Ploughing Championships at the Teagasc and Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine stand.

Speaking at the launch of the photo competition, Tom Houlihan, acting head of the Teagasc Forestry Development Department, said:

“Our forests provide a wide range of benefits and, as with other years, we invite and encourage participants of all ages to submit good quality and attractive digital images that highlight some of these multiple benefits".

Further information on how to enter the competition can be found on the Teagasc website.