The CLA has launched a photography competition with a top prize of £1,000 aimed at showcasing the landscapes and people of the great British countryside.

In addition to capturing beautiful and unique rural landscapes, the CLA, which represents more than 30,000 members across England and Wales, particularly wants to celebrate the people who make the rural economy tick.

Therefore, it is also offering an exclusive award for the best photograph of people working in the countryside.

The competition is part of The Countryside Matters, the CLA’s campaign demonstrating public support for continued investment in our countryside.

John Mortimer, Director CLA South West said: “The CLA’s ‘The Countryside Matters’ initiative has successfully raised awareness of the immense value of the countryside for the whole community.

“Over the next 12 months there’s an open invitation to capture on camera the rich diversity of our rural communities, our wildlife and the iconic features that make up our wonderful landscapes, not just in the South West, but across England and Wales.

“The South West with its mystical moorland, rolling hills, historic buildings and beautifully maintained gardens, not forgetting the miles upon miles of coastline, is, I believe, amongst the most spectacular in all of England and Wales.

"Why wouldn’t we want to showcase it through photography?

“We have some brilliant prizes on offer throughout the year and the winning entries will be published in ‘Land and Business’ magazine. Whether you are an established photographer or you are handy with a smartphone, if you are passionate about the countryside and those that work within it, I urge you to pick up your camera and enter our competition.”

The competition is open to the public. Monthly entries will close at noon on the 12th day of each month (any entries after noon will be entered for the following month). Prizes will be announced in "Land and Business" magazine each month. Prizes are offered in association with Tanners Wines, Ed Shepherd Photography and Combermere Abbey.

For full terms and conditions, and how to enter the CLA’s photo competition, go to the website: www.cla.org.uk/photocomp2018 .