BBOWT's contest invites nature enthusiasts of all ages to capture the beauty of local nature across the three counties, from urban sightings to wilderness adventures. Entries are now open and will be accepted until Sunday 31 August 2025.

This year’s top prizes include bird-feeding goodies from our friends at Vine House Farm, a smart bird feeder camera with AI bird species recognition, and a photography workshop with Steve Gozdz of GG Wildlife Experiences. All winners will also have the chance to see their photos featured in the Trust’s 2026 wildlife calendar and there are bundles of nature books for younger entrants to win for their schools. The popular competition attracts hundreds of entries from across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire and is a great way for people to showcase their talents and take some time to observe nature’s everyday wonders.

Participants can submit their photographs in the following categories:

• Children & Teens: all images of nature
• Nature on Your Doorstep: garden/urban/local wildlife
• BBOWT Reserves: landscapes & people: views, visitors and volunteers
• Mammals & Other Animals: from hares and hedgehogs to lizards and frogs
• Birds: including portraits, action shots and birds in flight
• Butterflies & Other Insects: beautiful butterflies and insect life
• Flowers & Fungi: colourful blooms and fantastic fungi
• Mobile Phone Photography: landscape views and wildlife photos

Most entries should feature photographs taken at BBOWT nature reserves. However, entries in the Children & Teens and Nature on Your Doorstep categories may be taken anywhere within Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, or Oxfordshire.

BBOWT’s Events Manager, Serena Millen-Quinn, says:
“We’re excited to launch the 2025 competition and once again celebrate the incredible wildlife and landscapes of our three counties through the eyes of the local photographers within our communities. Every year we’re blown away by the creativity and talent on display. It’s a real reminder of how important the natural world is to people.
“This year, we’re thrilled to bring back the People’s Choice Award after such a great response last time. It’s a fun and interactive way for the public to help us spotlight the images that really leave an impression. We’re also continuing our mobile phone category, which proved hugely popular. Whether you’re snapping a fox in your garden or a butterfly on one of our reserves, we’d love to see your photos, no matter your age or experience!”

As with last year’s competition, the vote will also be thrown to the public again, with the winner of the People’s Choice Award featuring on the front cover of BBOWT's 2026 Calendar.

The overall winner of the 2025 BBOWT Nature Photography Competition will receive a fantastic prize package including a smart bird feeder camera with AI bird species recognition. The People’s Choice winner will receive a pair of Tasco Essentials 8x42 binoculars whilst younger entrants in the children’s & teens’ category will have the chance to win a bundle of nature books for their school. In addition, all category winners will be invited to attend a special photography workshop with Steve Gozdz from GG Wildlife Experiences.

Chris Deeney, BBOWT’s Website and Design Officer and a regular competition judge, shares some tips for entrants:
“A top tip to stand out with some great photos: take a moment to observe your subject. Look out for interesting behaviour, vibrant colours and hidden details.
“Often, slow and steady wins the race, if you are patient and stay silent then wildlife may come to you. Most importantly, have fun! Wildlife photography is a fantastic way to get lost in the details of the natural world and reap the benefits of mindful connection.”

To enter the competition, visit the BBOWT website at bbowt.org.uk/photography-competition-2025 for full details on how to submit your photographs.

Enter now