The 300,000 member Woodland Trust is hoping to get youngsters down in the woods during their summer holidays by launching a nationwide photographic competition.

It is open to children under the age of 14 on a theme of “nature, trees and woods” and the first prize will be an expensive digital camera. Other entries will be published on the trust’s website.

Says the trust: “The competition's aim is to get young children and their families out in the great outdoors during the school holidays, whether in the back garden, local park or their nearest Woodland Trust woodland.”

There are some 1,000 areas of forest and woodland managed by the trust, including the famous Skipton Woods in the Yorkshire Dales, which lie in the shadow of the town’s 900 year old castle.

The competition isn't looking for professional pictures, so any child aged 14 and under can enter, even with photos taken on their mobile phone! For further information on how to enter and a free pack of photography tips visit www.naturedetectives.org.uk/photography