Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust is

THE Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust is again holding its annual photography competition.

Nature lovers of all ages have sent in their best shots of birds, bees and butterflies from across the three counties.

The trust introduced its People’s Choice Award category for the first time last year, seeing nearly 2,000 votes cast across the shortlisted images.

The prize was claimed by Peter Hines for his extreme close-up capture of a robin.

Mr Hines said: “My late sister-in-law, Anne, inspired me to get into photography 12 years ago and I love it.

“I have learnt so much from mistakes and successes. Wildlife, sunsets, smoke art and macro are my passions, so to have this recognition for one of my photographs is wonderful.

“A huge thank-you to all who voted for my robin. Also thank you to the trust for giving me the opportunity to share my photos.”

The robin returns in this year’s selection of eight shortlisted images, alongside other wildlife captures such as a scratching sparrowhawk, busy bees and great crested grebe chicks hitching a ride on their parent’s back.

This year’s winner will not only enjoy their photo’s pride of place on the front cover of the trust’s 2026 calendar but also receive a pair of Tasco binoculars and a copy of the Collins Complete Guide to British Wildlife, perfect prizes for the victorious nature lover.

Votes for the shortlisted photographs can be cast by visiting bbowt.org.uk/peoples
-choice-award-2025 which will remain open until Sunday.

Lily O’Neill, the trust’s head of events, said: “After our first-ever People’s Choice Award received such enthusiasm from the public last year, we knew we had to bring the category back for 2025.

“Each year we’re thrilled by the entries we receive, celebrating the incredible wildlife we encounter across our counties.

“We’re looking forward to finding out who the public crowns as the winner this time around, and I can’t wait to get hold of my 2026 calendar.”

The People’s Choice Award winner will be announced at a trust celebration event on Saturday, October 25, alongside the other category winners and the trust’s volunteer awards.

To register to attend, visit bbowt.org.uk/celebration-2025