Winners of the British Wildlife Photography Awards Announced
The British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) have unveiled their 2026 winners, showcasing exceptional nature and wildlife photography that highlights the beauty of Britain’s diverse fauna. Over 12,000 entries were submitted across eleven categories, each vying for top honors.
British Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Paul Hobson received the prestigious title of British Wildlife Photographer of the Year, primarily for his captivating image of a toad swimming in a woodland pond, which also clinched victory in the Black and White category. Captured from a unique underwater perspective in Sheffield, the photograph exemplifies creativity and patience.
“I am fortunate to have a pond close to my house with relatively clear water,” Hobson stated. “Toads breed there, and I aimed to capture an image from the pond’s bottom.” To execute his vision, Hobson constructed a custom glass box submerged in the water and controlled the camera shutter using a long cable release. Capturing the perfect moment took time, as most toads preferred to swim below the surface.
Young British Wildlife Photographer of the Year
The accolade for Young British Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 was awarded to Ben Lucas. His tender portrait of a cygnet sleeping on its sibling’s back brings a calming message amidst the often harsh realities of nature. Lucas, also the winner of the 15-17 Years category, commented, “Moments like this remind me of nature’s gentler side.”
Overview of Category Winners
Adult competitors participated in 11 distinct categories, including Animal Behavior and Wild Woods, while youth participants were grouped into three age divisions: 11 and Under, 12-14 Years, and 15-17 Years. Will Nicholls, Director of the British Wildlife Photography Awards, expressed admiration for this year’s submissions, stating, “The winners vividly encapsulate the wonder and diversity of British wildlife through remarkable imagery.”
Featured Winning Photographs
Among the notable winners were:
- Animal Behavior Winner: ‘Nemesis’ by Mark Parker captures the dramatic moment a hawk hunts its prey, elegantly framed in nature.
- Botanical Britain Winner: Barry Webb’s ‘Slime Molds and a Water Droplet’ highlights the intricate beauty of microscopic life.
- Urban Wildlife Winner: ‘Asleep at the Wheel’ by Simon Withyman features a fox resting in an unusual urban setting.
Publication and Future Entries
The complete collection of awarded photographs is featured in a hardcover coffee-table book published by Graffeg Books, with a foreword by actor and author Mackenzie Crook. The book, which includes over 250 winning and shortlisted images from the 2026 competition, is available for preorder at £35.
Submissions for the 2027 British Wildlife Photography Awards are currently open, inviting photographers to capture and celebrate Britain’s remarkable natural heritage.
Image credits: British Wildlife Photography Awards. All individual photographers credited in the captions.
Source: Original Source
