A unique new outdoor activity blending smartphone photography with the outdoors has been launched at Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve.
The Digital Biathlon offersisa fun team event over a two mile course, and 70 participants working in 19 teams took part in the initial event on Satyurday.
Teams were handed a smartphone to take pictures at five strategically placed DigiPoints. These could be of wildlife, landscape shots or anything the team believed encapsulated the immediate area of the DigiPoint.
They then had to select two photographs which were sent direct by wi-fi to the judging point as well as being directly uploaded to digital media platforms.
The Digital Biathlon concept was formed following feedback gathered from young people when developing project themes for the £4.5m Broads Authority 'Water, Mills and Marshes' Heritage Lottery funded Landscape Partnership Scheme.
More than 180 high school pupils were asked what activities they would undertake as part of a visit to the project area, with photography the most popular choice of activity.
Pupils from Pakefield High School helped develop the idea and will now act as digipoint stewards for the planned events which also take place on Lowestoft's seafront promenade.
Cllr Tony Goldson, Cabinet Member for Health at Suffolk County Council said: 'We are always looking to support new and exciting ways of encouraging people of all ages to become more active. The Digital Biathlon certainly meets these criteria and the involvement of young people in developing and delivering these events is great to see.'
Will Burchnall, Broads Authority Project Manager added: 'Bringing together smartphones, digital media, landscape and wildlife in one family event is an excellent idea. If offers the participants the opportunity to see and appreciate the landscape and wildlife in a unique way.'
The Digital biathlon is a pilot programme funded by Suffolk County Council's Most Active County programme, the Broads Authority and Sport England.
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