Fiery sunset picture wins London photography competition - and we can see why
A dramatic sunset over the Welsh Harp Reservoir has earned 35-year-old Yadong Niu first place in Barratt London’s nature photography competition at Hendon Waterside. His winning shot, chosen by a panel of judges, stood out for its bold colours and striking portrayal of Hendon’s natural beauty.
Residents were encouraged to photograph the natural world around Hendon Waterside, from birds at the Welsh Harp, to animals in the forest and the transforming trees and landscape.
The competition was created to celebrate the biodiversity of Hendon and highlight the community's unique surroundings. It also provided an opportunity for residents to explore the surroundings of the development and strengthen their photography skills.
The top entries are now featured on the hoarding across Hendon Waterside. The winner, Yadong Nui, received a £100 gift voucher for his entry.
Yadong Niu, photography competition winner, comments: “The photo I submitted was taken during sunset, when the sky was ablaze with colour. The reflection on the lake beautifully magnified the glow of the clouds, creating a stunning scene. A group of Canada geese floating across the water, set against the backdrop of distant high-rise buildings added to the sense of harmony and serenity. The wildlife, lake, trees, and architecture all represent what Hendon Waterside means to me - a true blend of community and nature. To me, it's the perfect example of life in nature.”
A resident at Hendon Waterside since August 2024, Yadong Niu, chose to relocate from Derby, purchasing his first home, a one-bedroom flat, with his wife after getting a new job as an Accountant in London and deciding to put down roots.
Yadong continues: “I chose to move into Hendon Waterside as I wanted to be close to the city centre and live in a residential area. I commute to Tower Bridge and use the Thameslink line, which takes 20 minutes to get into Farringdon or 24 minutes to Blackfriars.
“Since moving to Hendon Waterside, I have truly fallen in love with the area. It’s a place where birds sing, flowers bloom, and nature thrives. With its expansive lakes, untouched woodlands, and rich variety of birds and trees. Hendon Waterside offers an idyllic setting that feels both peaceful and inspiring."
Daniel Farenden, Projects Director for Barratt London, comments: “We wanted to give our residents the opportunity to explore and connect with the natural beauty of our development. It was amazing to see all the photo submissions, and it was no easy feat to choose just one winner. We’re looking forward to displaying the photos and showing all that Hendon Waterside has to offer for our residents and local nature alike.”
Part of the £9.6bn regeneration of Barnet, Hendon Waterside epitomises the best of waterside living, set by the peaceful Welsh Harp Reservoir. The heart of Hendon Waterside offers over 170 hectares of green space offering beautiful nature trails for quiet walks, including natural playgrounds with picnic areas and water sports clubs for sailing, canoeing, and kayaking. Residents will also have access to an array of nearby amenities including on-site Co-Op supermarket, Starbucks, a dental clinic, and Brent Cross Shopping Centre located just a mile from the development.
The wider area has a selection of high-performing primary and secondary schools, including The Hyde School and St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School.
For commuters, the development has excellent transport links nearby offering services from Hendon Railway Station, - a five-minute walk away - and Hendon Central tube station, reaching central London in under 20 minutes. Road connections are equally good, with the M1 and M25 motorways within easy reach, and both Heathrow and Luton Airport half an hour away.
Prices for a one-bedroom apartment at Hendon waterside will start from £375,000. To find out more, visit www.barrattlondon.com or call 0330 057 6666.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
For further information about Barratt London please email Hannah Onyebuchi at [email protected]
About Barratt London
Barratt London is a market-leading residential developer, with over 40 years’ experience in the Capital, delivering up to 2,000 units each year. Barratt London is committed to providing an unbeatable customer experience and developing exceptional homes for all Londoners. We have an extensive portfolio of residential developments and partnerships delivering homes across the Capital for all Londoners.