Organised by the Teagasc Forestry Development Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the ‘Trees in Our Lives’ photo competition highlights the multiple benefits provided by trees and forests. The competition is open to all ages and features junior and adult categories.

Open to (non-professional) photographers and photo enthusiasts, this competition offers exciting prizes, kindly sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and features three different themes: Trees and water; Trees on the farm; or Trees and biodiversity (further details on the themes are available below).

The winner and runner up in each theme and in two age categories will be awarded prizes as follows: €300 for each theme winner in the adult category and €150 for each theme winner in the junior category. A further prize of €300 (adult category) and €150 (Junior category) will be awarded to the overall winners. Runner up prizes are €100 (adult) and €50 (junior).

Theme 1: Trees and Water

In this theme, we welcome images that capture and reflect the beauty of trees and water in combination. Not only is this a beautiful match, but the right trees in the right places can also have a tremendous practical effect on improving aquatic habitats. Trees have the ability to filter runoff from fields, stabilise riverbanks, regulate temperature, provide food sources and enhance diversity of such environments.

Theme 2: Trees on the Farm

Our second theme can apply to images of all aspects of trees on the farm – 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, how overall farm sustainability is enhanced by suitably planted trees. The farm landscape can be transformed into an aesthetic pleasure in the presence of trees.

Theme 3: Trees and Biodiversity

Our 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.  Forests provide an essential home to a diversity of photogenic species.

How to enter the ‘Trees in Our Lives’ photo competition

For information on how to enter the ‘Trees in Our Lives’ photo competition, visit here. The competition closes to entries on 22 August 2025.