Winners of The British Wildlife Photography Awards 2011

The winning image of a jellyfish was captured by Richard Shucksmith. His photo was taken at Sula Sgeir (meaning Gannet Rock) a small uninhabited Scottish island, 41 miles north of Lewis.

BWPA winners 2011

September 2011. Now in its third year, the acclaimed BWPA competition has created another stunning showcase of British wildlife.

The winning image of a jellyfish was captured by Richard Shucksmith. His photo was taken at Sula Sgeir (meaning Gannet Rock) a small uninhabited Scottish island, 41 miles north of Lewis. The inhospitable area is home to exposed islands sustaining an astounding variety of marine life. The remoteness of these islands, as well as the challenge that comes with visiting them, makes Richard's incredible photo all the more special.

Greg Armfield, Photography and Film Manager from WWF said "A truly beautiful shot of a jellyfish that perfectly captures its iridescent colours and magical qualities. All the more remarkable that it exists in UK waters. Fantastic."

Competition judge Paul Wilkinson, Head of Living Landscape for The Wildlife Trusts, said: "We are delighted to see how many people from around the UK were inspired by the competition to explore nature in their local area. This year's entries reflected a real passion, and affection, for local wildlife. This competition is a special opportunity to give the natural world that surrounds us the recognition, and reverence, it deserves."

The Winners are:

1. BRITISH WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER, (prize £5,000)

Richard Shucksmith, Jellyfish in the Blue Sea of Sula Sgeir, Scotland

2. YOUNG BRITISH WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHERS (prize £500 and £300)

Oliver Wilks (aged 16) & Walter Lovell (aged 8)

3. CATEGORY WINNERS (£1,000 worth of prizes)

• COAST AND MARINE, Richard Shucksmith, "Jellyfish in the Blue Sea of Sula Sgeir"
• ANIMAL PORTRAITS, Mark Smith "Mystical Mist, Fallow Deer
• HABITAT, Ian Paul Haskell "Hare in Morning Light with Hoar Frost"
• ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR, Andrew Parkinson "Grey Heron Walking on Water"
• URBAN WILDLIFE, David Biggs "Champagne Starling" - See below
• WILDLIFE IN MY BACKYARD, Rana Dias "Busy Wasp on Blackberries" - See below
• HIDDEN BRITAIN, Leslie Holburn "Scorpion Fly on a Leaf" - See below
• LIVING LANDSCAPES, Graham Eaton "Llyn Idwal - War and Peace"
• BRITISH SEASONS, Ross Hoddinott "Summer Insects"
• DOCUMENTARY SERIES, Neil Aldridge "It's Only a Game"
• WILDLIFE VIDEO, Mark Sisson "Great Crested Grebe Family" (Winning Video can be viewed on Vimeo).

Exhibition at wildlifexpo 2011 october 14th & 15th

BWPA are delighted that the touring exhibition of around 70 images will launch this year at the very first WildlifeXpo, which takes place on the 14th and 15th October at Alexandra Palace, London. The exhibition continues until 26th October.

A year-long tour of the exhibition will follow throughout England, Scotland and Wales. For full details of the nationwide tour visit: http://www.bwpawards.org/page/exhibitions

Competition
For more detailed information about the competition, including how to enter, list of categories, shooting tips, and terms & conditions, please visit the competition website: www.bwpawards.co.uk.

 WILDLIFE IN MY BACKYARD, Rana Dias            “Busy Wasp on Blackberries” 

URBAN WILDLIFE, David Biggs                           “Champagne Starling”                  

HIDDEN BRITAIN, Leslie Holburn                          “Scorpion Fly on a Leaf”