British Wildlife Photography Awards 2026 Celebrate the Natural World

The British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) have revealed their 2026 winners, showcasing the beauty and diversity of British wildlife through stunning imagery. Over 12,000 photographs were submitted across 11 categories, highlighting the skill and passion of photographers capturing Britain’s natural heritage.

Paul Hobson Named British Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Photographer Paul Hobson earned the grand prize and was named British Wildlife Photographer of the Year for his captivating black and white image, “A Toad Swims Across Its Woodland Pond.” The photograph, taken from a unique pond-floor perspective in Sheffield, England, depicts a toad gracefully swimming across the water’s surface. Hobson constructed a glass box and used a remote shutter release to achieve the shot, patiently waiting for the toad to swim into view. Petapixel reports on the winning image and the photographer’s innovative technique.

Young British Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Ben Lucas was named Young British Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 for his touching portrait of a young mute swan cygnet sleeping on its sibling’s back, titled “Feathery Pillow.” Lucas also won the 15-17 Years category with this image, capturing a tender moment in nature. He remarked, “Nature can often be so cruel, but tender moments like this warm my heart!”

Category Winners

The competition recognized excellence across a range of categories, including:

• Animal Behaviour: Winner – ‘Nemesis’ by Mark Parker Popular Science
• Animal Behaviour: Runner-up – ‘The Fur Flew’ by Sarah Darnell
• Animal Portraits: Winner – ‘Standing Tall’ by Alastair Marsh
• Animal Portraits: Runner-up – ‘Through the Lavender’ by Felix Belloin
• Botanical Britain: Winner – ‘Slime Moulds and a Water Droplet’ by Barry Webb The Times
• Botanical Britain: Runner-up – ‘The Algaeverse’ by David Higgins
• Black and White: Runner-up – ‘Emerging in the Light’ by Chris Wardell
• Coast and Marine: Winner – ‘Glowing Bright’ by James Lynott
• Coast and Marine: Runner-up – ‘Silhouetted Puffin’ by Julian Terreros-Martin
• Habitat: Winner – ‘Dipper Dream’ by Marc Humphrey
• Habitat: Runner-up – ‘Winter Touch’ by Mario Suarez
• Hidden Britain: Winner – ‘New Life’ by Julian Terreros-Martin
• Hidden Britain: Runner-up – ‘Surprising Meal’ by Adam Ferry
• Urban Wildlife: Winner – ‘Asleep at the Wheel’ by Simon Withyman
• Urban Wildlife: Runner-up – ‘Night Dweller’ by Kyle Moore
• Wild Woods: Winner – ‘Beams of Brightness’ by Mark Richardson
• Wild Woods: Runner-up – ‘Autumn Dancer’ by Duncan Wood

Youth Competition Winners

The youth competition also recognized talented young photographers in three age groups:

• 11 and Under: Winner – ‘Cutting Edge’ by Jamie Smart
• 12-14 Years: Winner – ‘Acrobatic Hobby’ by Jack Crockford

Availability of the Awards Book

A hardcover coffee-table book featuring all the winning and shortlisted photos from the 2026 competition is available for pre-order from the BWPA’s website for £35. The book includes over 250 images and features a foreword by actor, writer and director Mackenzie Crook. Petapixel details the book’s availability.

Looking Ahead

Entries are currently open for the 2027 British Wildlife Photography Awards, encouraging photographers to continue capturing the beauty and wonder of British wildlife.