Winners of WWT Photography Competition 2011/12

Wetland Wildlife winner - Egg Thief by Wayne Davies

WWT are pleased to announce the national winners of the Canon/WWT Photography Competition 2011/12. Thousands entered and voted for the People's Choice award on our website and today we reveal the prize-winning photographs taken in wetlands that capture the beautiful wildlife of one of nature’s most vulnerable ecosystems.

View all of the winning and shortlisted images here.

A panel chaired by TV presenter and wildlife photographer Chris Packham judged the Canon/WWT Photography Competition.

Richie Lort from Northern Ireland was awarded Portfolio Photographer of the Year and won the trip-of-a-lifetime to Antarctica. His photographs of WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre on the shores of Strangford Lough were consistently shortlisted in the seasonal heats. On receiving the news, he said:

“I am absolutely amazed and stunned that someone from Northern Ireland has won such a prestigious competition – a big, big thank you to Exodus and Quark for donating such a huge prize. This is a once in a life time trip and will help me to document the disappearing world. I imagine it will be both amazing and humbling to capture how delicate it is. I would also like to thank the staff at WWT Castle Espie who always welcome me and share valuable information in terms of sign posting me to capture such beautiful wildlife.”

Portfolio Photographer winner - Look at Me by Richie Lort

WWT have seen photography become one of the most popular ways that people engage with nature at their wetland visitor centres. The Canon/WWT Photography Competition gives photographers a place to share the beauty and fragility of wetlands, while recognising the very best talent.

Wetlands are any areas where the ground remains wet for long periods. They have been centres of human civilisation throughout history and they are home to specially-adapted wildlife.

Wetlands are essential to life on Earth. Not only do they control erosion, prevent flooding and influence the climate, they provide and clean the water we drink and use to grow food.

Martin Spray is Chief Executive of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT). He said:

“In the last century alone, half the world’s inland wetlands have been lost. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so we asked photographers to showcase some of the rich diversity of wildlife that depend on wetlands. We are delighted with the response and very pleased to announce the winners.”

Lee Bonniface, Country Director, Canon UK Consumer Imaging, said:

Young Photographer winner - Duckling on Ice by Adam Jones

“We’re delighted to partner with the WWT for their 2012 photography competition. It has attracted a stunning array of entries which illustrate, through the power of image, the vital role that our wetlands play in providing a habitat to some of Britain’s most stunning and rare wildlife species. At Canon, we have a philosophy of ‘living and working together for the common good’ and we hope that this competition will inspire more people to take up photography and visit their local wetland centre.”

The Canon/WWT Photography competition 2011-12 has been held in celebration of the centenary of the Scott Antarctic Expedition. WWT was founded by the son of Captain Scott and this year's grand prize is a trip to Antarctica, courtesy of Exodus in partnership with Quark Expeditions. The full list of awards is:

Category / place Title Season Location Photographer
Wetland Wildlife
Sponsored by Tatra Photography
1st Egg Thief Spring Llanelli Wayne Davies
2nd Ramshorn Snail Spring London John Doherty
3rd Barnacle Geese Autumn Caerlaverock Tom Langlands
Wetland Landscape
Sponsored by Lakeland Photo Holiday and Regatta
1st Water Lilies at Arundel Spring Arundel Tony Jones
2nd Sunset From the Hide Autumn Washington Ian Cook
3rd Incoming Geese Winter Caerlaverock June Shaw
4th Sunset Over a Frozen Lake Winter London David Hardman
People & Wildlife
Sponsored by Much Better Adventures and Soomaa.com
1st That's the One Winter Arundel Claire Sawyer
2nd Feeding is Fun Spring Arundel Gillian Lloyd
3rd Gutsy Gull Winter Slimbridge Adam Rogers
4th Lucas on the Lookout Spring Castle Espie Martin Magill
Young Photographer
Sponsored by Mount Severn Outdoor Activities and Events
1st Duckling on Ice Winter Slimbridge Adam Jones
2nd Soldier Beetle Summer London Oscar Dewhurst
3rd Flamingo Care Spring Martin Mere Niall Read
People's Choice
Sponsored by Kate Boats
1st Bottoms Up Autumn Castle Espie Richie Lort
2nd Sweet Dreams Spring Martin Mere Laura Bristow
3rd Dinner Time Winter Slimbridge Clive David Daelman
4th Love Nature Winter Castle Espie Richie Lort
Portfolio Photographer
Sponsored by Exodus Expeditions and Quark
Castle Espie Richie Lort
World Wetlands
Sponsored by New York State Tourism and United Airlines
1st Serenity Autumn Hiranmoy De
2nd A Drop in the Ocean Spring John Foreman
3rd Fisherman Lake Chapala Spring Victor Casillas Romo

View all of the winning and shortlisted images here.

  • Share this article