Wiltshire Wildlife Trust photography competition returns with new prize and exhibition

Zoe Gater

Wildlife photographers of all ages can enter Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s 2026 Photography Prize this August, with a new award and public exhibition of the best images coming to Langford Lakes this winter.

Got a great wildlife shot sitting on your camera roll? Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s annual Photography Prize is returning this August, giving budding and experienced photographers the chance to showcase the natural world on their doorstep.

Entries opened on Saturday 1 August 2026 and close on Monday 31 August, with photographers invited to submit their best images capturing Wiltshire’s wildlife, landscapes and natural environment.

There are categories for Under 18s and 18 and Over, with this year’s competition also introducing a brand-new Wild View Cameras Sponsor’s Choice Award.

Every photograph entered into the main competition will automatically be considered for the new award, with Wild View Cameras choosing their favourite image from the entire pool of entries. The winner will receive a £100 Wild View Cameras voucher, regardless of their age category.

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The main category winners will also receive £100 vouchers, while four runners-up will each receive £50 vouchers.

And there’s another reason to get snapping this year, as the competition’s best images will be displayed publicly for the first time.

A special exhibition featuring the top photographs will run throughout November 2026 at the Brockbank Centre at Langford Lakes Nature Reserve, giving visitors the chance to see Wiltshire’s wildlife through the eyes of local photographers.

The competition will be judged by a panel bringing together expertise in wildlife photography, conservation and visual storytelling.

The judges include Wiltshire-based wildlife photographer and filmmaker Nick Upton, Wildlife Trusts Communications Manager Daniel Laverick and South West-based environmental communicator Emily Weatherburn, also known as Wildlife Emily.

The Trust is also looking for a member of its own community to join the judging panel. Members interested in applying can contact the Trust by Wednesday 15 July for more information.

Becki Mckinlay, Director of Fundraising and Engagement at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said: “We were absolutely delighted with the incredible standard of last year’s entries, which really showcased the passion the people of Wiltshire and Swindon have for its local nature and wildlife.

“The quality was so exceptional that two of the submitted images made it onto the front covers of our magazines. With the addition of the new Wild View Cameras Sponsor’s Choice Award and our upcoming exhibition at Langford Lakes this November, we cannot wait to see how our community captures the spirit of Wiltshire’s wildlife this August.”

Last year’s winning images featured on two Wiltshire Wildlife Trust magazine covers and were also used to create a special set of postcards for new members.

Entries for the 2026 Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Photography Prize open on 1 August.

Full entry details and the submission portal will be available via the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust website.

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