British Wildlife Photography Awards Announce 2026 Winners
A captivating photograph of a toad swimming across a woodland pond has been crowned the overall winner of the British Wildlife Photography Awards 2026. This year, the competition attracted over 12,000 entries from both amateur and professional photographers.
The award for the overall winner went to Paul Hobson, who captured the enchanting moment near his home in Sheffield, England. “Toads utilize this pond for breeding, and I aimed to photograph from beneath the water’s surface,” Hobson explained. To achieve this, he constructed a glass box to house his camera and utilized a long shutter release cable to capture the perfect shot. “It required considerable patience, as most toads prefer to swim just below the surface, often resting on the glass,” he noted.
In addition to Hobson’s triumph, the Young British Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 honor was awarded to Ben Lucas for his enchanting image of a mute swan cygnet lounging atop the back of its sibling.
This year’s competition featured entries across 11 categories, showcasing the diverse and remarkable wildlife found throughout the United Kingdom. Highlights included breathtaking photos ranging from combative birds to industrious bees.
Notable Winners of the 2026 Awards
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“A Toad Swims Across Its Woodland Pond” by Paul Hobson
Overall Winner and Black & White Category Winner
Hobson expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’m fortunate to have access to a pond with crystal-clear waters, particularly in late winter and early spring before algae growth begins.” -
“Nemesis” by Mark Parker
Animal Behaviour Category Winner
This striking image captures a sparrowhawk making a dramatic pounce on a starling. “I wanted to document the event quickly, as I had never seen the sparrowhawk go to ground before,” Parker said. -
“Standing Tall” by Alastair Marsh
Animal Portraits Category Winner
Marsh’s work reflects a decade of visits to Ardnamurchan in Scotland, aiming to see elusive pine martens. “One visit resulted in ample sightings, especially when I left peanuts out nightly,” he shared. -
“Slime Moulds and a Water Droplet” by Barry Webb
Botanical Britain Category Winner
This unique photograph showcases Lamproderma scintillans, a captivating species less than a millimeter tall. -
“Glowing Bright” by James Lynott
Coast & Marine Category Winner
Captured during a night dive in Loch Fyne, this image features a spiny squat lobster fluorescing against the water. -
“New Life” by Julian Terreros-Martin
Hidden Britain Category Winner
Terreros-Martin documented a developing frog embryo in a reflection pool he built with his father in their garden. -
“Asleep at the Wheel” by Simon Withyman
Urban Wildlife Category Winner
Withyman observed a family of foxes using his vehicle as a hide while photographing them over several weeks. -
“Feathery Pillow” by Ben Lucas
15-17 Years Category Winner and Young British Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Lucas captured a heartwarming moment of a family of swans engulfed in rest by a tranquil lake in Hornchurch, London. -
“Cutting Edge” by Jamie Smart
11 and Under Category Winner
Smart reflected on his fascination with bees, recounting how he built a bee hotel and captured the perfect moment of a leaf-cutter bee emerging. -
“Acrobatic Hobby” by Jack Crockford
12-14 Years Category Winner
Crockford’s remarkable shot features an Eurasian hobby skillfully catching insects mid-flight.
Overall, the British Wildlife Photography Awards 2026 continue to celebrate the awe-inspiring beauty of the rich wildlife inhabiting the UK, while also highlighting the passion and dedication of the photographers behind the lens.
Source: Original Source
