Photo Competition Tips

Winning entries will be selected for the 2026 BBOWT Calendar, so they need to be landscape, not portrait or square. If you like to crop your photos, a ratio of 7:5 is best.

Do no harm - Always put the welfare of wildlife first.

Don't get too close - Animals can get stressed and panic if you get too close to their home.

Watch your feet - Stay on designated paths and don't trample flowers to reach more flowers.

Know the law - familiarise yourself with protected species and the laws that protect them.

With over 80 BBOWT nature reserves and two visitor centres to choose from, there are lots of places to discover the spectacular wildlife of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

Find a reserve

From parks and gardens to rivers and ponds - wonderful, wildlife-rich habitats are all around us.

Look out for interesting behaviour, vibrant colours and hidden details... delight us with images of nature near you!

You don't need a big fancy camera for your chance to win!

Take inspiration from last year's category winner, Emma Stone, who snapped this amazing rainbow over College Lake using her mobile phone.

Photograph your favourite animals and flowers - maybe you like watching birds in flight, or do spiders and insects give you a buzz?

Most importantly, have fun! Enjoy and learn from your time outdoors connecting with nature.

Often, slow and steady wins the race! If you are patient and stay silent then wildlife may come to you.

Consider watching from a hide. Many of our nature reserves, such as College Lake and the Nature Discovery Centre, have hides to give you excellent views and photo opportunities.

BBOWT hides at NDC

Are you an early-bird? The 'golden hour' refers to the time of day just after sunrise - and just before sunset - when beautiful, atmospheric images can be taken.

Considering visiting your favourite place at different times of the day - and through the seasons - to catch the change in light or mood.