Winners of WWT Nikon Photography Competition announced
The competition showcased the talents of photographers of all ages, whilst also celebrating the wealth of wildlife and wetland experiences on offer to visitors at WWT’s nine UKcentres.
Robbie Wilson from Gretnapicked up top prize for the junior category with his photo entitled ‘follow the leader’, which was shot at WWT Caerlaverock. The winner of the general photography prize was Andrew Bunting fromPrestonfor his photo called ‘running hare’, taken at WWT Martin Mere. Finally, the winner of the digiscoping category was Anthony Daglish fromTyneand Wear for his photo called ‘mating avocets’, taken at WWT Washington.
Robbie, who is 12 years old, was delighted to have won the junior category. He said: “I am so pleased to have won; it’s the first time I have ever won any competition ever. I loved every minute of the evening, especially when Chris Packham gave me my prize. He made my evening. My new camera is great too. I can’t wait to start using it and seeing what it can do.” 
Leading the judging panel, television presenter and WWT vice president Chris Packham, said: “The standard of entries this year was extremely high, making our choices very difficult to make. There was a lot of debate amongst the judges. Having said this, everyone on the panel agreed Robbie’s photo of the wigeon was a worthy winner. Robbie managed to capture the colour and beauty of these wonderful birds in a single shot.”
Alongside Chris, the judging panel also included Tim Hunnable (Nikon UK Ltd), Peter Day (WWT council) and Marcus Hawkins (Digital Camera magazine). Commenting on this year’s competition, Martin Spray, chief executive of WWT, said: “The calibre of photographs was exceptionally high this year, covering a wide range of the wildlife and wetlands that can be seen at our nine centres. Despite the poor weather, many people still found the time to get out and photograph some wonderful scenes – this proves just how popular the competition is.”
