Here in Stroud, we’re lucky to be literally surrounded by some beautiful and rare grassland habitats. Our commons – Minchinhampton, Selsley and Rodborough – are not only examples of living history, but also provide homes to many wonderful species of British wildlife.

Our Landscapes of the Lark Festival (and this competition) pays homage to that iconic sign of spring and inspiration for writers, artists and poets, the Skylark. Inspired by the places that larks call home, your photographs will capture the landscapes that make up the natural wonder of the Stroud Valleys.

We don’t want pictures of Skylarks themselves; they are hard to capture in pictures and are busy raising chicks at this time of the year, so shouldn’t be disturbed. We would however like to see your photographs of the places where larks might live, in particular our beautiful commons.

There are two categories: Seniors for those aged 17 or over, and juniors for those aged 16 and below.

Our senior winner will be awarded a years’ free Friends membership of Stroud Valleys Project, which gives access to exclusive news and a 20% discount off many of our events. Our junior winner will be able to choose a wildlife home and an FSC guide of their choice from the SVP eco shop on Threadneedle Street.

The Landscapes of the Lark festival is supported by the Cotswold National Landscape’s Farming in Protected Landscapes fund.

You can find an entry form here, or there is a printable version here, along with a full list of entry terms and conditions.

Image courtesy of Geoff March.