© Rich Warner
Photography competition 2026
Entries will open on 1 April 2026.
Every year, we love hosting the photography competition. It’s a great way to celebrate local wildlife and creative talent. Anyone can take part, so grab your phone or camera and get into nature!
Running since 2010, we have seen an incredible variety of photos submitted by nature lovers to this annual competition. These have gone on to feature in our calendar, social media, Wildlife magazines and more.
We encourage everyone to take part - whether you’re into camera photography or like taking snaps on your mobile phone. With different competition categories there’s a chance for everyone to shine. You may capture unique nature moments in a city or visit our reserves to spot your favourite species. This year we have four categories, with our newly added Wild Youth category for anyone under 18. Find out more below!
After the deadline closes, your submission will be viewed by a panel of (not too scary) judges. If you reach the final, you will see your photograph in an exhibition in August! If you’ve got what it takes to win, there’ll be a special prize waiting for you too.
For inspiration, check out previous entries in the gallery below. Keep updated with our social media and subscribe to our e-newsletter for more top tips and deadline reminders!
The deadline for entries is Friday 31 July at midnight.
Thank you to Wheatley Printers Ltd. for providing photos for our exhibition.
Wildlife photography best practices
Be careful with using flash
Lots of cameras and phones will automatically turn flash on when the light conditions decrease, so be mindful of this before taking photos. Wildlife can be very sensitive to light, and many can be scared or even temporarily blinded by the sudden flash of light. If the light conditions aren’t good, a night vision camera is your best bet.
Be mindful of where you are walking
It is best to stick to designated paths or tracks when out on our reserves to minimise any damage to habitats or disturbing wildlife that are used to no footfall in their patch.
Keep a low profile
Keep your distance and don't get too close - this is especially important when the wildlife you are photographing has any young with them.
Are you photographing a protected species?
If you are looking to photograph and specific species, look up its protected status before heading out. There are laws that protect certain species, disturbing them during breeding seasons can impact their success rate of raising young and can be seen as a criminal offence.
Don't use lures
Avoid use food to bait wildlife into coming closer, playing calls to birds, or similar behaviour. Just be patient and quiet and the wildlife will come to you!
Remember, the welfare of the wildlife should come first.
© Evie and Tom photography
Submit your camera entry
Opens 1 April 2026
© Nick Turner
Submit your mobile entry
Opens 1 April 2026
Find out more about each category
Urban wildlife
Whether it's a fox in your street, or a plant that is pioneering a new home on a wall, get inspired by the wildlife on your doorstep with this category. This is your chance to show off the birds, insects, plants and other wildlife that live in Gloucestershire's towns and cities.
Wild places
Snap a special moment exploring Gloucestershire's wild places in this landscape category, from the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to the ancient woods in the Forest of Dean.
Species spotlight
Set your focus on one species for this category, putting your favourite animal or plant in the spotlight. Encapsulate a special encounter or a new find within your photo, sharing some of the wonderful wildlife that shares this county.
Wild youth
Under 18 and love taking pictures of the great outdoors? This category is for you!
Entries can be anything from macro photography to wide open landscapes, show us your favourite three photos from the past year.
