The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Artistic inspiration comes in many forms, but none so timeless  or as powerful as the natural landscape. From J.M.W Turner to  David  Hockney, from  Claude Monet to  Thomas Cole, artists from all ages have aimed to capture  the ambient light,  unique atmospheres and untempered emotions of nature's most glorious displays.

But, which of our world's  breath-taking  environments are the most bewildering? Could you decide the  most unique and  wonderful  vistas on our earth? 

This is the aim of an immense, international competition to discover the 'new seven wonders of nature.'  With only 60 days left of voting, winners are expected to be announced on 11 November 2011, decided by  billions of public  votes. 

From the 28 finalists that remain, I have visited only one, The Cliffs of Moher, in County Clare, Ireland.

Whilst checking  out  some of the photography that has been inspired by these cliffs,  you can appreciate why the incredible place got through all  previous rounds of the competition. The Cliffs of Moher are indeed a worthy nomination for this presigious award. But, competition is fierce  with such epic marvels as Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the Galapagos in Ecuador and Australia's Great Barrier Reef, still in the running.

The cliffs, which  are 230m high and 8km long, offer the most spectacular views across Ireland,  of Connemara, the Aran islands and Galway bay. Incredibly, 300 million year old river channels are still  visible, cutting through the  layers of shale and sandstone that home an impressive  treasure trove of wildlife including some 20.000 birds.

I have been up on  those cliffs twice before and there really isn't anywhere else I can think of where I have been quite so aware of the vulnerability and irrelevance of man, against the backdrop of the beauty and majesty of nature.

So what do you think? Should the Cliffs of Moher be one of the New 7 wonders of the world? Text MOHER to 53131 to vote!

http://www.new7wonders.com/