The eight shortlisted photos for the People's Choice Awards.
Nature lovers of all ages have sent in their best shots of birds, bees and butterflies from across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.
The Trust introduced its People’s Choice Award category for the first time in 2024, seeing nearly two thousand votes cast across the shortlisted images. The prize was claimed by Peter Hines for his extreme close-up capture of a robin.
Robin by Peter Hines
Peter Hines previously commented on his achievement, saying:
"I am absolutely thrilled to receive this award. My late sister-in-law, Anne, inspired me to get into photography 12 years ago and I love it. I have learnt so much from mistakes and successes. Wildlife, sunsets, smoke art and macro are my passions, so to have this recognition for one of my photographs is wonderful. A huge thank you to all who voted for my robin. Also thank you to BBOWT for giving me the opportunity to share my photos.”
‘Britain’s favourite bird’ returns in this year’s selection of eight shortlisted images, alongside other wildlife captures such as a scratching sparrowhawk, busy bees, and great crested grebe chicks hitching a ride on their parent’s back.
Robin by Omesh Ehsan Shah
Speckled wood butterfly by Matthew Carrington
Bee and lavender by Ben Jones
Common tern by Helaine Cadman
Bog bush-cricket by Wayne Bull
Bee and pollen by David Maw
Great crested grebes by Thomas Roberts
Sparrowhawk by Omesh Ehsan Shah
This year’s winner will not only enjoy their photo’s pride of place on the front cover of BBOWT’s 2026 calendar, but also receive a pair of Tasco binoculars and a copy of Collins Complete Guide to British Wildlife, perfect prizes for the victorious nature lover.
Votes for the shortlisted photographs can be cast by visiting bbowt.org.uk/peoples-choice-award-2025 which will remain open until Sunday 15 September.
Lily O’Neill, BBOWT’s Head of Events, said:
"After our first-ever People’s Choice Award received such enthusiasm from the public last year, we knew we had to bring the category back for 2025. Each year we’re thrilled by the entries we receive, celebrating the incredible wildlife we encounter across our counties – and this year might be the best yet. We’re looking forward to finding out who the public crowns as the winner this time around, and I can’t wait to get hold of my 2026 calendar!”
The People’s Choice Award winner will be announced at the 2025 BBOWT Celebration on Saturday 25 October, alongside the other category winners and the Trust’s volunteer awards. Attendees can register their place below.
