Nature Photography 2012 award winners announced

PUBLIC'S CHOICE: Neil MacGregor's picture of a red squirrel was the public's favourite

Entries from across the UK and Europe wow the judges and inspire the public vote

February 2012: Duelling insects, a ladybird launching from a leaf and a reflective mountain scene are just some of the striking photographs unveiled as the winners for the sixth annual Nature Photography Awards, hosted by The Scottish Seabird Centre in East Lothian.

Entries were submitted from across the UK and this year the centre also welcomed entries from Germany and Spain, with these entrants securing first and second place positions.

Nearly 300 entries were received, including 40 for the junior competition, making it the highest number of entries secured to date in the six years the competition has been running.

The images were judged by nature photographer Laurie Campbell and freelance photographer Graham Riddell, alongside votes cast by the general public who were able to vote on a shortlist of 105 images that have been on display in the Scottish Seabird Centre's Environment Zone since mid-November.

Greatly impressed by the level of talent
Tom Brock OBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Seabird Centre, said: ‘Every year we are greatly impressed by the level of talent among amateur photographers. I would like to thank everyone who entered and to congratulate all those who made it to the shortlist and, of course, our winners. The exhibition in the Seabird Centre has been a huge success with more than 500 people voting for their favourite.'

Laurie Campbell adds: ‘Once again, the process of deliberating over such a high percentage of marvellous entries took time. Our only option was to become more ruthless than ever before and make difficult decisions. There really were some stand-out shots and it's great to see that recognised by the public.

‘I would encourage anyone with an interest in photography to get snapping for the seventh Nature Photography Awards.'

Entries for the 2012 Nature Photography Awards will open soon. For more information visit www.seabird.org There is still time to see the shortlisted entries and the winners - the exhibition in the Seabird Centre continues until March 4, 2012.

How to visit The Scottish Seabird Centre 

The winners are:

Landscape: Neil MacGregor's Winter reflections Worldwide wildlife: Douglas Gregor's Ladybird Taking Off Scottish Wildlife: Douglas Gregor's Duellists Creative Visions Of Nature: Stuart Goss's moss shoots   Environmental impact: Malcolm Davidson's City Air                           World flora: Ann Jeffray's cone with clover