Essex Wildlife Trust’s annual photography competition is now open for public submissions until midnight, 30 November. The competition has grown each year, with over 600 submissions received in 2025.
Last year, Vai Meng Chan was named the overall competition winner after a public vote with his submission that captures both the beauty of a young rabbit and sunset lighting, taken in Romford. This was the first time the category has won the public vote since the competition was launched in 2017.
Entrants can submit a maximum of three images across the six available categories. Images must be taken within Essex in 2026.
The public can enter the following six categories:
- A Wildlife Motion Picture – Images that capture movement within the natural world.
- Captivating Colours – Images that portray Essex in all its technicoloured glory.
- Gardener’s World – Images taken in your Essex garden.
- Young Blood – Images taken by participants aged 6-16 only.
- Coastal Captures – Images that celebrate Essex’s coast, above and below the water.
- Places of Wonder – Images taken at an Essex Wildlife Trust nature reserve or Nature Discovery Park.
The overall winner will be decided by public vote and will be announced in January. The category winners will be decided by a panel of judges. The category winners will be displayed in a public exhibition held at High Chelmer Shopping Centre in Chelmsford, who are sponsoring the competition.
Read more and submit your photos
Becky Stone, Digital Communications Officer for Essex Wildlife Trust, said:
“Our annual photography competition is one of the best ways to celebrate the beauty of Essex’s wild side. From sweeping landscapes to tiny creatures, we want to see how Essex residents capture the wonder of nature in 2026. This is a competition for everyone – whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a young person discovering the joy of wildlife in our under 16s category.”
Karen Howard, Centre Manager at High Chelmer, said:
“High Chelmer is delighted to once again welcome the winners of the Essex Wildlife Trust’s Annual Photography Competition to the Centre, marking the Trust’s impressive tenth year of celebrating local wildlife through the lens.
Each year, the exhibition showcases extraordinary images captured across Essex, moments that reveal the beauty, diversity, and character of the county’s natural habitats. These photographs not only highlight exceptional talent, but also offer our visitors a chance to pause, reconnect with nature, and appreciate the wildlife that surrounds us.
Bringing this exhibition into the heart of the Centre continues to be a meaningful way to remind us all of the positive impact nature has on our wellbeing. Whether it’s stopping to admire a striking photograph or feeling inspired to explore the outdoors, we hope the display encourages curiosity, joy, and a deeper appreciation for the environment.
We are proud to support this initiative and to celebrate its tenth anniversary alongside Essex Wildlife Trust. We look forward to sharing this special milestone exhibition with our shoppers and wider community.”
