British Wildlife Photography Awards - Open for entries

The BWPA are open again for business - Sanderling by Danny Green

New categories
Established to celebrate and recognise the talents of photographers of all nationalities practicing in the UK, while at the same time highlight the great wealth and diversity of British natural history, BWPA are looking to build on recent successes and are introducing several new categories. This includes a special award for conservation photography and a category dedicated to British biodiversity and native species under threat, to reflect the fact that 2010 has been declared International Year of Biodiversity, by the United Nations.

2020VISION Conservation Photography Award
This new award for Conservation Photography, sponsored by the Wild Media Foundation, encourages aspiring photographers to adopt a slightly different approach to image making. The award will be presented to the photographer who demonstrates a clear understanding of a contemporary conservation theme or story and who submits a portfolio of up to 8 images which creatively illustrates the chosen subject(s).

Ten categories
There are ten main categories as well as two special awards to encourage participation by young people, schools and youth community groups.

£5,000 top prize
With a prize fund of up to £20,000 and the overall winner receiving a cash prize of £5,000, the images receiving judges' commendations will form part of a series of nationwide exhibitions, including a launch and awards event at Hoopers Gallery London, during October 2010. The British Wildlife Photography Awards aim to set the standard for photography of UK wildlife, for many years to come.

Main Awards and Prizes
British Wildlife Photographer £5,000
Young British Wildlife Photographer (under 18) £500
Schools, Youth and Community Group Award £1,000

Category Awards:
The winner of each category will receive prizes
with a total value of around £1,000.

The 2020VISION Special Award
The winner will be awarded a place on the 2020VISION
team and a fully-paid for set of UK commissions.

Categories

1. Animal Portraits
2. Animal Behaviour
3. Urban Wildlife
4. Hidden Britain
5. Coast and Marine
6. Wildlife in my Back Yard
7. Habitat
8 British Seasons
9. International Year of Biodoversity
10. The 2020VISION Special Award

Closing date
The closing date is 4th June 2010. Entrants will be able to submit entries on-line or via post.

Further information
For more detailed information about the competition, including how to enter, a full description of categories, shooting tips, and terms & conditions, please visit the competition website: www.bwpawards.org.

Sponsored by Natural England.

Supported by: The Wildlife Trusts, WWF, Scottish Natural Heritage, Countryside Council for Wales, The National Trust, The National Trust for Scotland, Buglife and Outdoor Photography Magazine.