“Passionate about pollinators” - Barry Wells recognised with new award in his name

Wednesday 30 October 2024

A new award for the best images or videos of pollinators in Guernsey taken by younger people still in education will form part of the Bailiwick Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition run by Guernsey Arts.

The Pollinator Project has announced the new category, with the award made possible by generous donations in memory of Barry Wells, the co-founder of the charity, who passed away earlier this year.

Pictured: The late Barry Wells spent years educating Guernsey's school children and the wider public on the importance of pollinators. 

Mr Wells had dedicated himself to the study, promotion and salvation of pollinating insects locally, and now his name will stay firmly attached to the prize looking to undertake the same mission. 

Gordon Steele, Chair of the Pollinator Project, said: “Barry was passionate about pollinating insects, including bees, butterflies, moths and was also an acclaimed wildlife photographer. His images can still be seen on his website. 

“Every year he went to junior and primary schools and enthused children across the Bailiwick with his love of pollinators using his slo-mo films and fantastic photography. It was a joy to go with Barry to one of these special assemblies.” 

The award comes with a prize of £500 and membership of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, and will be made annually for the next three years for the best photograph or short film of a pollinating insect in Guernsey taken by anyone in full or part-time education up to the age of 24. 

 “We often think of pollinators as honeybees but in Guernsey we have thousands of other species involved in this vital process. Pollinators come in all shapes and sizes, some of the most important and surprising pollinators are flies, beetles, and bugs. But very many butterflies, moths and bees also carry out this vital process which helps our flowers grow and is essential for our food," said Mr Steele. 

"The winner might have caught a moment on their phone, showing a butterfly on a flower, a bumblebee covered in pollen or a mason bee in a bee hotel. We look forward to seeing the entries.”  

Pictured (courtesy of the Pollinator Project and BarryWells.co.uk): Images of Pollinators in action are in demand for this year's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

You can find the full entry details online for the Barry Wells Award for Young Photographers on the Pollinators website, or on the Arts Commission's.