Co-op x RSPB

08 April 2024

• A Co-op listing is ‘on the cards’ for young Somerset wildlife and nature photographer who sees his work on Co-op and RSPB co-branded greetings cards

• The convenience retailer ‘snapped’ up the opportunity to use the striking collection of photographs on greetings cards which will be available for sale in 1,000 Co-op stores from this week

A wildlife and nature photographer from Somerset is set to see his work on sale in 1,000 Co-op stores UK-wide after impressing greetings card buyers at the convenience retailer with his photography collection.

Ben Pulletz, 21, from Charlton Adam, near Somerton, first approached Co-op a year ago with his wildlife and nature photography with a collection which included: a deer; rabbit; grasshopper; a Great Tit amongst rose hips; ‘kissing’ blackbirds and, ‘happy’ daisies.

Impressed with the designs, Co-op worked with Ben and RSPB to incorporate the photos onto six new co-branded greetings cards which will be available for sale in 1,000 of the convenience retailer’s stores from this month.

In addition, Co-op has donated £10,000 to the RSPB to reflect the collaboration with Ben – a cause which is very close to Ben’s heart and, an organisation with which Co-op launched an ambitious three-year partnership last year to enable the ongoing restoration and long-term management of internationally important UK peatland, helping to reduce carbon loss, tackle climate change and protect nature.

At the age of 17, Ben set up his website, Feathers & Hills, to showcase his photography to wider audiences, and in 2021 picked up his first international recognition as a category winner in the Siena International Awards.

Ben, said: “I am absolutely delighted and, to be honest, it really hasn’t sunk in yet. I can’t believe that I would have had such a positive response from Co-op when I first reached out to them. For Co-op to create these cards and, make a huge donation to a charity which protects our nature and habitats really does mean the world to me. And, I am especially pleased that the daisy photograph has been used – it is my mum’s favourite. I cannot wait to pop into my local Co-op store and see my pictures on the greetings cards on the shelves.”

Sophie Martin, Co-op’s buyer for greetings cards and wraps, said: “I loved the designs straight away, we were so impressed with Ben and his striking photographs that we decided to work with him and develop a range of Co-op and RSPB co-branded greetings cards together. We share Ben’s passion for nature and the environment, and I am confident that our member-owners and customers will be just as attracted to these delightful designs as we are.”

Louisa Skevington, Product Licensing Manager at RSPB, said: “It’s fantastic to see our partnership with Co-op extend into the product space with these co-branded greetings cards. We love Ben’s photography, and at the RSPB, we encourage engagement with nature across all age groups, so this partnership is a lovely opportunity to champion Ben (age 21)’s passion for nature photography. We particularly like how Ben’s images capture the UK’s flora, mammals and insects as well as birds, reflecting the breadth of nature looked after by the RSPB.”