Spotlighting the IGPOTY Plants & Planet category winners: an interview with Mark Hetherington
As part of Penningtons Manches Cooper’s continued sponsorship of the International Garden Photographer of the Year (IGPOTY) 2026 Plants & Planet category, we are proud to spotlight the talented photographers whose work brings the competition’s theme to life.
Recognised globally as one of the leading garden and nature photography competitions, IGPOTY celebrates the beauty, fragility and resilience of the natural world. Our sponsorship reflects the firm’s commitment to environmental responsibility, biodiversity, and the power of photography to inspire positive change.
This interview marks the first in a new series sharing photographers’ inspirations and creative perspectives, offering a deeper insight into the stories behind their images.
We begin with Mark Hetherington, the overall winner of the competition, whose photograph ‘Grange Fell Last Light’ captures the glowing seasonal beauty of the Lake District.
In the conversation that follows, Mark shares his deep connection to this landscape, his long standing fascination with the fleeting heather season, and the personal influences that have shaped his photographic style. He also reflects on the subtle details that bring his image to life and the role photography plays in strengthening our relationship with the environment.
What inspired you to capture this image?
“I love the fleeting heather season and I always enjoy capturing images of it in my home area, the Lake District. The peak heather season is normally late August/early September and it doesn’t last that long so I always try and take advantage and I am constantly striving to photograph the heather in new locations such as Grange Fell in my winning image.”
What do you hope people notice first when they see your photograph?
“I hope people can appreciate the natural beauty of the scene and feel as though they are standing within the landscape.”
Is there a small detail in the image that people might overlook?
“The careful positioning of the trees within the composition helps frame the landscape.”
Describe your photo in three words
“Golden, heather, glow.”
Why do you think the Plants & Planet theme matters today?
“Anything that helps highlight the natural beauty of our National Parks and landscapes, and what we could potentially lose if people do not appreciate them, must be a good thing.”
How do you think photography can help people reconnect with the environment?
“Photography can be a powerful bridge to the natural world and can create emotional connection, raise awareness and motivate conservation because people are more likely to protect what they feel connected to.”
Who or what has influenced your photographic style the most?
“My photographic style has been most influenced by the natural landscape of the Lake District, where my late father introduced me to fell walking and rock climbing. That early connection to the outdoors continues to shape my work, along with the photographic inspiration I’ve drawn from Ansel Adams and Joe Cornish.”
If you could photograph anywhere on the planet, where would you choose and why?
“This one is easy for me. The sunrise in the Lake District at Blea Tarn in Langdale or Wastwater in Wasdale.”
Find out more about the competition by visiting the IGPOTY website.