Press Release Archive
Top UK nature photographers coming to an ecosystem near you! (Bass Rock)
4 July 2011
What are ecosystems and why are they so important to us? That’s what 2020VISION, the UK’s largest conservation photography initiative, plans to shout about.
Over the course of 20 months, a dedicated photo team, consisting of 20 of the UK’s top nature, wildlife and landscape photographers, will be travelling the country, carrying out photography assignments at over 20 locations where whole ecosystems are being repaired and re-connected so that they function as they should. Using the stunning images which are captured, and backed by a team of top videographers, sound recordists and writers, 2020VISION will produce an amazing image bank which will be rolled out across the country in a series of City Roadshows to communicate the crucial link between a vibrant nature full of wildlife, and our own well-being. It’s a link that increasingly, science is telling us we need to re-establish.
One of the locations handpicked for this ground-breaking project is Bass Rock in the Firth of Forth. From 5-8 August 2011, the 2020 Photo Team consisting of Peter Cairns and Ben Burville will be on location, to capture not only jaw-dropping nature images, but also documentary shots about the value of seabird ecotourism and its importance to local communities as well as the benefits for visiting tourists.
Bass Rock hosts more than 150,000 gannets and is the largest single rock gannetry in the world, described famously by Sir David Attenborough as "one of the wildlife wonders of the world". It is an important tourist attraction for the area and together with the Scottish Seabird Centre plays a significant role in the economy of North Berwick.
Assignment photographer, Peter Cairns, says: “Britain has one of the most spectacular coastlines anywhere and iconic marine species are fast becoming tourism must-sees. Sea eagles, dolphins, seals and our frenetic seabird colonies are not only indicators of the health of our seas, they are vital contributors to coastal economies. Nowhere is this more apparent than at the Scottish Seabird Centre overlooking the gannets of the Bass Rock. ”
2020VISION is a collaborative project, working alongside many partners, including The Scottish Seabird Centre, which plays an active role in providing boat trips to Bass Rock as well as offering a host of other events and educational resources for visiting schools.
Visit www.2020v.org for more information and to find out how to get involved.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For further information on 2020VISION and this iWitness assignment, please contact Emma Blyth on emma@2020v.org or 01330 860003.
A selection of images, along with the 2020VISION logo, can be downloaded from our website at http://www.2020v.org/press_room.asp
