The competition invited entrants of all ages and abilities to submit photographs celebrating the natural world. A panel of local councillors and respected members of the community judged the entries, selecting their favourite images to feature in the calendar. Among the judges was award-winning photographer Alex Hyde.
Winning photographs have been used to create a 2026 charity calendar, with all proceeds supporting Sheffield Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Charity.
The charity is a national centre of excellence for child health, combining acute, mental health and community services, delivery world-class care for children with complex and rare conditions. Funds raised support four key areas: research into childhood illnesses, creating child-friendly environments, developing new facilities and providing specialist medical equipment.
One hundred copies of the 2026 calendar have now been printed and are on sale at The Birley Academy’s reception for £5 each. From every sale, £2.50 contributes towards printing costs, with the remaining funds being donated to Sheffield Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Charity.
The finished calendar opens out to a striking A3 format suitable for wall display and showcases the high standard of photography produced across the school and wider community.
Due to the quality and volume of submissions, selected images will also be reproduced as large canvases and displayed throughout the school, refreshing learning spaces and celebrating local talent.
“The standard of photography we received was truly outstanding. We were blown away not only by our students’ creativity, but by the enthusiasm and talent shown by members of the wider community. This project has been a wonderful way to bring people together, celebrate the natural world around us and support a cause that means so much to families across Sheffield.”
“It was a real privilege to be part of this competition and an honour to win the staff category. The project perfectly combines creativity, community spirit and fundraising, while encouraging people to step outside, slow down and appreciate nature, all for an incredibly important local charity.”
