Hamza Yassin launches Wales‑wide rainforest photography contest for children
Children across Wales are invited to capture native rainforests in a new competition backed by Hamza Yassin, Aviva and The Wildlife Trusts, with a masterclass prize from photographer Jamie Smart.
BBC wildlife presenter Hamza Yassin has launched a nationwide photography competition aimed at getting children to discover the temperate rainforests that blanket parts of Wales and the wider United Kingdom.
New research shows that two‑thirds of Welsh respondents – 67 % – do not realise the UK hosts its own rainforests, a gap the campaign hopes to close.
The study also revealed that 68 % of those surveyed failed to identify Bannau Brycheiniog as a rainforest, while 76 % missed Ceredigion and 74 % overlooked Gwynedd.
Awareness of the climate benefits of these habitats is similarly low, with 64 % unaware that temperate rainforests can reduce flood risk by slowing heavy rainfall.
Only one in four parents said their children have learned about UK rainforests at school, highlighting a clear educational shortfall.
In response, Yassin, together with insurer Aviva and The Wildlife Trusts, has unveiled the Rainforest Explorers Photography Competition, inviting families to explore native woodlands and capture their wildlife on camera.
Participants may submit images taken either in a recognised UK temperate rainforest – the “Rainforest Explorers” category – or in any local green space such as a garden, park, woodland or pond, under the “Urban Jungle” banner.
The competition is split into two age brackets, 4‑7 and 8‑11, ensuring younger children compete on an even footing.
Winners will be awarded a masterclass with award‑winning young wildlife photographer Jamie Smart of Llandrindod Wells, who will share top tips for photographing wildlife and help develop the children’s skills in the field.
Smart, who rose to prominence after winning a national wildlife photography award, will lead the session in a UK temperate rainforest, giving the young winners a rare chance to learn in the very environment they have photographed.
Hamza Yassin explained the motivation behind the initiative: “Most people are amazed to discover that we have rainforests right here in the UK.” These hidden, magical places and bursting with wildlife and play an important role in tackling climate change, so I’m passionate about helping more people discover them.
It’s why I’m so excited to team up with Aviva, supported by The Wildlife Trusts, to launch the Rainforest Explorers Photography Competition. “I’m inviting young nature lovers to grab a camera, head outdoors and show us the natural world through their eyes.”
Whether they explore a rainforest or local green space, I can’t wait to see what they discover.
Aviva’s involvement follows a £38 million donation to The Wildlife Trusts in 2023, earmarked for restoring the UK’s lost temperate rainforests.
Claudine Blamey, Aviva’s Chief Sustainability Officer, added: “Protecting and restoring nature to help our customers and communities get ready for a changing climate is hugely important to Aviva.” This campaign forms part of our partnership with the Wildlife Trusts to help restore the UK’s lost temperate rainforests, which are so critical to how we build resilience to the impacts of climate change.
The launch comes after the UK recorded its hottest summer on record, with more than 1,000 wildfires logged across England and Wales by mid‑August, underscoring the urgency of protecting climate‑resilient habitats.
Entries are to be submitted by a parent or guardian on behalf of the child, with the competition open to all families, schools and community groups across Wales and the rest of the UK.
Organisers hope the initiative will not only boost awareness of temperate rainforests but also inspire a new generation to value and protect the natural world.