We are thrilled to announce the distinguished judges for the Wiki Loves Earth Photo Contest in Ireland and Northern Ireland 2025!
Wiki Loves Earth is an annual international photography competition celebrating natural heritage worldwide. Participants capture stunning images of local nature in their countries and upload them to Wikimedia Commons. Each participating country hosts its own competition, with the winners continuing onto the global competition.
It aims to encourage the documentation of protected natural areas for use on Wikimedia projects like Wikipedia. This initiative not only promotes the appreciation of natural beauty but also creates an open-access resource for images that can educate and inspire people worldwide to take action to protect our environment from the effects of climate change.
The contest is open in Ireland and Northern Ireland until the 31st of July.
Find out how to enter here!
Introducing Ireland’s Judging Panel:
Ronald Surgenor, Photographer Ulster Wildlife
Ronald Surgenor is a dedicated wildlife photographer and conservationist based in Northern Ireland. With a lifelong passion for angling, he has spent decades observing and documenting the diverse marine life around Ireland. His commitment to marine conservation earned him the Marsh Christian Trust Marine Conservation Volunteer Award in 2020.
When he isn’t out on the water, Ronald serves as Nature Reserves Officer at Ulster Wildlife, with responsibility for several reserves across Northern Ireland. In his spare time, he is an talented wildlife photographer, particularly known for capturing images of nocturnal creatures such as badgers, pine marten and owls. His work aims to raise awareness of the often-overlooked wildlife thriving in urban and rural environments.
Through his photography and conservation efforts, Ronald Surgenor inspires others to appreciate and protect the natural world.
You can view some of his amazing photographs here.
You can read about our collaboration with Ulster Wildlife here.
Photo courtesy of Ulster Wildlife
Eimear Harkin, Artist
Eimear Harkin, b.1997 is a painter originally from Donegal, currently living in Northern Ireland. In 2023, Harkin was awarded a BA (hons) degree in Fine Art from Ulster University. Her work is often inspired by our natural heritage in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
“In my work, I investigate how space-related tensions are reflected in colour. My paintings have a formal quality to them. I peel back layers upon layers of paint to create a rough text, which I then contrast with a smooth surface. A tug-of-war between anticipation and possibility emerge. They highlight aspects of the cityscape which are usually overlooked in the sense of derelict abandoned buildings. I reclaim it and transform it. The works are peeling back the old and overlaying it with the new. My artwork has an introspective feel to it. Colour is extremely important in my work. I paint objects that look real, but also not at the same time.”
Visit Harkin’s website to see her artwork here.
Photo courtesy of the Artist
Oisín O’Neill- Environmental Advocate and Solicitor Gaelic Woodlands Project
Oisín O’Neill is an Irish environmental advocate and solicitor (non-practising), currently serving as Director of the Gaelic Woodland Project – a grassroots initiative dedicated to restoring Ireland’s native forests and biodiversity.
With a background in law and a passion for ecological resilience, Ó Néill has emerged as a passionate advocate for reimagining Irish forestry through a cultural and conservationist lens.
As part of the leadership team at the Gaelic Woodland Project—a collaborative, volunteer-driven charity—he contributes to initiatives focused on planting native tree species, restoring biodiversity, and engaging communities in meaningful, land-based action.
O’Neill’s work bridges environmental policy, cultural heritage, and grassroots action. He frequently contributes to public discourse on sustainable forestry, emphasising the need for Ireland to adopt a protectionist approach to safeguard its natural ecosystems. He has been leading a national campaign to raise awareness about the ecological threat posed by Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), an invasive species that is rapidly degrading Ireland’s native woodlands.
His efforts aim to not only restore Ireland’s woodlands but also to reconnect communities with the cultural significance of native forests.
You can find out more about the Gaelic Woodland Project or even sign up for one of their community events here.
We recently interviewed O’Neill for a podcast, which you can listen to here.
Photo courtesy theof Gealic Woodland Project
Hope that gives you some clues into what we will be looking for in the winning photos! Quality, artistic flair, relevance and usefullness to climate activism and the online encyclopedia!
