READER IMAGES
Your great days out in photos
Share your best photos of the British countryside with us and you could see your image published in print or online and win a great prize.
Email your images to photos@countryfile.com
PHOTO OF THE MONTH
WET HARE
By: Nick Coggins
Where: Upper Teesdale, County Durham
“I’m a retired farmer and tend to know where to look to find such wildlife. On this particular day, it was quite windy and damp and the hare just seemed to be happy sheltering from the drizzle, allowing me to get quite close to him. The brown hare is probably my favourite UK wild mammal, so I was especially lucky to photograph him.”
See our feature on hares and their habits on page 30.
THE PRIZE
This month’s winner receives a pair of Ariat Skyline Mid Waterproof boots, worth £130. The boots are mesh-lined and made with waterproof full-grain leather, plus a shock-absorbing EVA midsole and extra wear protection around the toe and heel. A dual-density Duratread™ outsole provides multi-dimensional traction for sure footing. Sizes: women’s 3–8.5; men’s 7–12. ariat.com
PINE AND DANDY
By: Rhonda Newsham
Where: Drimnin Estate, Morvern, Highlands
“We’re surrounded by ancient Caledonian hazel wood and see many pine martens. Two were chasing each other up and down the tree, when one saw me and stopped. Pine martens are referred to as shy and mainly nocturnal, but they will come out in the day and are inquisitive, if they don’t feel threatened. Watching these two interact with each other was very special, and as I walked off they carried on chasing each other – business as usual.”
DEEP SKY
By: Zoe Mathias
Where: Stackpole Estate, Pembrokeshire
“I love Pembrokeshire, especially the Bosherston Lily Ponds, which I visited for the third time last November. It was a beautiful day, with lush blue skies over the Eight Arch Bridge and reflections of the sky in the water.”
BREEZY BEAUTY
By: Lisa Conlan
Where: Midlothian
“This shot of a cabbage white butterfly among beautiful Agapanthus is one of my favourites. The colours are so bright and for me it sums up the joy of nature and gardening.”
LITTLE VOICE
By: Loreena Price
Where: Insch, Aberdeenshire
“My husband bought me a voucher to spend a day in a hide in Insch for Christmas. I took many photos, including this long-tailed tit, a dainty little thing with a big voice.”
GREEN WATER
By: Wendy Smith
Where: Plas Power Woods, Wrexham
“This photo was taken at noon during a lovely walk in the woods on a really hot day. It was nice and cool in the shade, and my dog Sky and I had a lovely paddle.”