Nature enthusiasts are being invited to send their best shots of animals, plants, people and scenery for an annual wildlife photography competition.
The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) has launched its yearly contest for 2024, boasting new categories and prizes.
The BBOWT encourages nature lovers of all ages to take part by submitting photographs taken at its nature reserves and within their communities.
Changes for this year include a public vote to decide the winner of the new People’s Choice Award, while a new category for mobile phone photography has been introduced.
Top prizes include a high-spec birdbox camera and an exclusive wildlife photography masterclass with GG Wildlife Experiences.
Winners will also have the chance to see their photographs showcased in the trust's 2025 wildlife calendar, while bundles of nature books are up for grabs for younger entrants, to be won for their schools.
The BBOWT's annual photography contest garners submissions from across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.
Last year's competition saw nearly 150 people submitting almost 500 photographs for judging.
Rachel Levis, BBOWT’s head of events, said: "We’re thrilled to launch our photography competition again this year, as it’s always such a treat to see so many amazing photos of wonderful wildlife taken on our patch.
“The mobile phone has opened up nature photography to almost everyone, so we’re pleased to include a new category for that this year."
This year, participants can enter their photos into various categories, including birds, mammals, butterflies and other insects, urban nature, and peoples' efforts to take action for nature.
As well as mobile phones, there are specific categories for children aged six to 11 and teenagers.
The closing date for all entries is August 26, however, photographs must be sent by July 28 to be considered for the People’s Choice Award.
All photos must be taken in on of the three counties and most categories require them to be taken on a BBOWT nature reserve.
The contest will be judged by a panel of experts, including Steve Gozdz, a professional wildlife photographer and founder of GG Wildlife Experiences, and Ben Vanheems, the editor of BBOWT’s Wild magazine and a wildlife gardener with a YouTube presence.
BBOWT staff members Chris Deeney and Bethan Milner, both amateur photographers, will also be part of the judging panel.
Mr Gozdz said: “Wildlife photography can require patience but can be very rewarding.
"You never know when those 'moments' will occur, so take your camera with you wherever you go and be aware of the beauty in nature around you.”
To enter the competition and for more information, visit the BBOWT's website.
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