Essex Wildlife Trust's annual photography competition attracts the attention of hundreds of photographers of varying abilities each year, and this year is set to be no different as the Trust celebrates ten years since the launch of the competition.  

The competition has six categories, with one highlighting the incredible talents of the younger photographers in Essex. The Young Blood category welcomes entries from individuals aged 16 or younger. This October half-term, the Trust is encouraging families to get outside in nature and see if they can capture a winning photo. 

Last year, the winner of the Young Blood category captured a beautiful cormorant in golden light by the River Colne.  

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.   

Images must be submitted before midnight on Sunday 30 November and 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, which is sponsoring the competition. The Trust are also happy to welcome a new sponsor, c2c rail. Last year's overall winning photograph, 'Run Rabbit Run' by Vai Meng Chan, was created as a fantastic mural at Laindon station, thanks to the Trust's other competition sponsor, c2c.  

Please visit www.essexwt.org.uk/photography-competition to read more about the competition details and submit your images. 

Essex Wildlife Trust manage almost one hundred nature reserves across the county. To find your closest reserve, visit Nature Reserves | Essex Wildlife Trust 

Becky Stone, Digital Communications Officer at Essex Wildlife Trust, said:  

“Our annual photography competition is one of the best ways to celebrate the beauty of Essex's wild side. The competition is for everyone, whether you're a seasoned photographer or a young person discovering the joy of wildlife. It is always great to see so many entries to the Young Blood category, knowing that so many young photographers have been inspired by the wildlife found in Essex." 

Alice Shimali, Communications Director at GBR Anglia, which brings together the leadership of c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia under a single, unified structure, said: 

"c2c is delighted to be one of the headline sponsors of Essex Wildlife Trust's 10th anniversary Photography Competition, and we look forward to seeing a wide range of entries that capture the beauty and diversity of Essex's wildlife and natural landscapes. 

With many nature reserves, green spaces and wildlife attractions located close to the c2c route, including Langdon Hills and Chafford Gorges Nature Discovery Parks, we are proud to support Essex Wildlife Trust and the fantastic work the organisation undertakes to protect and promote nature across the communities we both serve. 

As the competition celebrates its 10th anniversary, it's a great opportunity to showcase both the incredible photography talent and the outstanding natural environment that the county has to offer. 

We wish everyone taking part the very best of luck." 

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.”