Wildlife photographers across Wiltshire and Swindon are being invited to dust off their cameras as the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust prepares to launch its annual Photography Prize for 2026.
The competition opens for entries on 1 August and will run throughout the month, welcoming photographers of every age and ability to capture the county’s rich wildlife and natural landscapes.
This year’s contest introduces several new features, including a Sponsor’s Choice Award backed by Wild View Cameras and, for the first time, a public exhibition showcasing the best images submitted.
Photographers can enter either the Under 18 or 18 and Over categories, with every photograph also automatically considered for the new Sponsor’s Choice Award, which carries an additional £100 prize voucher.
The competition has already earned a reputation for uncovering exceptional local talent. Last year’s winning and shortlisted photographs proved so impressive that two were chosen for the front covers of the Trust’s magazines, while others featured in a special set of postcards produced for new members.
In another first, this year’s standout images will go on display throughout November at the Brockbank Centre at Langford Lakes Nature Reserve, giving visitors the opportunity to view the county’s wildlife through the eyes of local photographers.
The judging panel brings together experts from the worlds of wildlife photography, conservation and visual storytelling.
Among them is Wiltshire wildlife photographer, filmmaker and biologist Nick Upton, whose work has appeared in National Geographic and BBC Wildlife Magazine after a career that included producing BBC wildlife programmes alongside Sir David Attenborough. Joining him are Daniel Laverick, Communications Manager at The Wildlife Trusts, and environmental content creator Emily Weatherburn, better known to thousands online as Wildlife Emily.
The Trust is also inviting one of its members to join the judging panel. Members interested in taking part are being asked to register their interest by 15 July.
Becki McKinlay, Director of Fundraising and Engagement at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said: “We were absolutely delighted with the incredible standard of last year’s entries, which really showcased the passion the people of Wiltshire and Swindon have for its local nature and wildlife. The quality was so exceptional that two of the submitted images made it onto the front covers of our magazines.
“With the addition of the new Wild View Cameras Sponsor’s Choice Award and our upcoming exhibition at Langford Lakes this November, we cannot wait to see how our community captures the spirit of Wiltshire’s wildlife this August.”
Prizes this year include £100 Wild View Cameras vouchers for the winners of both age categories, £50 vouchers for each runner-up and a further £100 voucher for the Sponsor’s Choice winner.
The competition opens on 1 August and closes on 31 August, with winners due to be announced in mid-September before the exhibition opens at Langford Lakes later in the autumn. Full entry details and submission guidance will be available through the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust website.
