Photographers from across Essex submitted their favourite images to the Essex Wildlife Trust photography competition last year, from tranquil landscapes to vivid action shots, the Trust’s 2020 competition showcased just how connected everyone remained with wildlife and nature, even amidst national lockdowns.

The image that not only impressed the judges but won the public vote this month, was the entrancing shot of a red fox appearing from the dark shrubbery submitted to the ‘Gardener’s World’ category by Julie Levere.

Julie Levere, the overall winner of the photography competition, said: “I’m astounded to have been crowned the overall winner of the Essex Wildlife Trust Photography Competition, as I was up against some truly talented photographers in all categories. We have some beautiful wildlife in our country and now is the best time to embrace it.” 

Each year the charity’s photography competition continues to break records; with over 800 images submitted, more than 300 participants and over 1,800 public votes cast to secure the overall winner this year.

Julie continued: “I took this image in my garden in Westcliff-on-Sea. This beautiful vixen, with her captivating eyes frequents my Essex garden most evenings, she even brought one of her cubs along with her during spring, it’s an amazing sight to witness and it’s just outside my back door!”

It is great to see an image from the ‘Gardener’s World’ category take the crown this year as for many people, the green spaces closer to home were where they sought solace and spent the majority of their time. It goes to show it is still possible to witness lots of wonderful wildlife closer to home whilst also demonstrating the importance of keeping our urban areas wild.

Thank you to the competition sponsor, ACL Essex, for their continued support with Essex Wildlife Trust's annual photography competition.

The Essex Wildlife Trust Photography Competition 2021 opens in September.