Essex is a varied county rich with inspiration for taking the perfect wildlife photograph; whether it be birds performing dizzying mumurations, reptiles lazily basking in the sun, tidal landscapes evolving before your eyes or the wonderful world of colours and patterns that can be uncovered by taking a closer look at our insect and plant life. Whether you prefer to shoot in urban environments, the countryside, by the sea or in your own garden, the competition is open to everyone with a passion for Essex wildlife and photography.

Participants can submit a maximum of three images across the six available categories. All images must be taken in Essex during 2019 and you have until November 30 to enter. The overall winner will go to a public vote in December after the category winners have been decided by Essex Wildlife Trust’s panel of judges. Announced in 2020 the overall winner will receive a trophy and the £200 prize at a celebration event held at one of the charity’s visitor centres alongside the other category winners, the 6 runners-up and the 24 highly commended participants. The competition is proudly sponsored by Adult Community Learning (ACL) Essex. ACL is one of the largest providers of adult courses in Essex, including several photography courses.

Photography competition categories are as follows: 

• Smart Work – Essex wildlife images taken on your smartphones.
• Gardener’s World – Images taken in your Essex garden.
• A Wildlife Motion Picture – Action shots of wildlife around Essex.
• Pattern and Texture – Images that reveal the detail of Essex.
• EWT to a Tee – Images taken at an Essex Wildlife Trust site.
• Young Blood – For participants aged 6-16 only.

The images of Essex wildlife and wild places submitted to previous competitions have inspired, surprised and amazed us all. They have transformed the way Essex is viewed, challenging opinions and stereotypes, confirming the need to celebrate and protect our wonderful natural environment.

Please visit www.essexwt.org.uk/photography-competition-2019 to read more about the categories and the competition terms and conditions. Email your entries to photographycompetition@essexwt.org.uk.