Incredible Images Capture Unique Wildlife in the British Isles
Discover the remarkable sights of an Arctic walrus, a barnacle-covered football, and three frogs in an unexpected pose, showcased as the standout winners of this year's competition.
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A football is seen floating on the surface of the Atlantic Sea, appearing new and clean from above. However, below the water, a large number of barnacles have attached themselves to the ball. This captivating image, captured by Ryan Stalker, was selected as the grand prize winner for the 2024 British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA).
The prestigious award, now in its 12th year, celebrates the diverse nature of Britain, showcasing its woodlands, wetlands, and other ecosystems. The collection features photos of iconic British wildlife such as brown hares and foxes, as well as vibrant firework anemones and an impressive Arctic walrus.
Director of BWPA, Will Nicholls, expressed in a press release that the collection showcases the stunning variety of Britain's natural heritage. It is not just a display of images, but a tribute to the timeless beauty of British wildlife and a plea to protect the natural landscapes that we are lucky to have in the country.
The competition received over 14,000 submissions this year, with both amateur and professional photographers competing for the £5,000 ($6,400) grand prize.
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Ryan Stalker, the photographer behind the winning image, discovered goose barnacles attached to the football. These barnacles are not native to the UK but can sometimes wash up on its shores during Atlantic storms. Ryan pondered about the ball's journey, from being lost to possibly spending time in the tropics where the barnacles are native, and then floating in the open ocean before reaching Dorset.
In addition to showcasing the ball's intriguing journey, the photo also highlights a potential environmental concern. Ryan expressed his worry about how waste like this can introduce creatures that may thrive in UK waters and potentially become invasive species. He emphasized that more human waste in the sea could escalate the risk of these creatures reaching our shores.
Seventeen-year-old Max Wood won the title of young British wildlife photographer of the year with this image of a coot running across a lake at sunrise.
Seventeen-year-old Max Wood won the title of young British wildlife photographer of the year with this image of a coot running across a lake at sunrise.
Raising awareness about the environment is a major goal of the prize. The young British photographer category, supported by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), aims to inspire young people to connect with nature from an early age. Eight-year-old Jamie Smart was commended for his impressive photograph of a pheasant perched on a farm gate next to blooming blackthorn in spring. Additionally, 17-year-old Max Wood was awarded the overall young photographer title for his picture of a coot dashing across a misty lake in Surrey, UK. Wood mentioned that he woke up at 4:45 in the morning to capture the photo.
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Nicholls told CNN that it is no secret many of our wild spaces have been converted into farmland or managed moorlands. He emphasized the importance of protecting the remaining wild areas. The hope is that these images will highlight what we still have in terms of nature in the UK and around the world. The goal is to inspire people, especially young individuals, to take action in safeguarding British wildlife.
Editor's P/S:
The winning image of the 2024 British Wildlife Photography Awards highlights the beauty of nature while also raising awareness about environmental concerns. The football covered in barnacles serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of human waste on marine ecosystems. It underscores the need for responsible waste disposal practices to prevent the introduction of invasive species and protect ocean habitats.
Furthermore, the competition's focus on young photographers emphasizes the importance of fostering a connection to nature from a young age. The award-winning images by Max Wood and Jamie Smart demonstrate the potential of young people to capture the wonders of the natural world and inspire others to take action to protect it. By showcasing the diversity of British wildlife and addressing environmental challenges, the British Wildlife Photography Awards play a vital role in raising awareness and promoting conservation efforts.
