The South Downs National Park's Photo Competition has announced its winners for 2020. The theme for this year's competition was 'Experiencing the Natural World' and over 170 photos were entered.
![Into the Mistic by Andrew Gambling - Winner of South Downs National Park Photo Competition](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/40/2020/01/Into-the-Mistic-by-Andrew-Gambling-WINNER-905c954-scaled.jpg?webp=1&w=1200)
Andrew Gambling took first place with his shot 'Into The Mistic' which showed a man on his morning run amongst the mist-covered hills of the South Downs. Judges thought his photograph met the competition's brief perfectly. Judge Finn Hopson said: 'This image is the embodiment of experiencing the natural world.' Fellow judge Nick Heasman said: 'It feels otherworldly.'
![Stedham Common Sunrise by Mark Couper - RUNNER UP](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/40/2020/01/Stedham-Common-Sunrise-by-Mark-Couper-RUNNER-UP-abffba1.jpg?webp=1&w=1200)
The runner-up was Mark Couper for his photo 'Stedham Common Sunrise' which captured the incredible variety of colours and textures within the heathland of the National Park.
![Take Flight by Lloyd Lane](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/40/2020/01/Take-Flight-by-Lloyd-Lane-THIRD-PLACE-4ed7302-scaled.jpg?webp=1&w=1200)
Third place was awarded to 'Take Flight' by Lloyd Lane, which was another striking misty scene taken at Steyning Bowl.
![Hare in wildflower margin by Adam Huttly - wildlife WINNER](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/40/2020/01/Hare-in-wildflower-margin-by-Adam-Huttly-wildlife-WINNER-5318208.jpg?webp=1&w=1200)
There was a separate category for best wildlife image, with first-place awarded to 'Hare in Wildflower Margin', which shows a hungry hare munching on a leaf in a meadow of wildflowers. Taken by Adam Huttly just north of Arundel, the photographer said: 'I really hope this image encourages people to get out and discover the wonders of nature that can be found on the magical South Downs and surrounding areas.'
![Surprised Water Vole by Dick Hawes](https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/40/2020/01/Surprised-Water-Vole-by-Dick-Hawkes-wildlife-RUNNER-UP-3621669.jpg?webp=1&w=1200)
The runner up for best wildlife image went to Dick Hawes for his adorable shot of a water vole. 'Surprised Water Vole' was taken at River Meon in the middle of East Meon, Hampshire.
Which is your favourite? The five winning images, along with five highly-commended photos, have now been entered into a People's Choice vote - choose your favourite by 31 January here.