BBC Wildlife Magazine, one of the world’s most prestigious natural-history titles, announces the launch of a photographic grant, sponsored by Kowa, which aims to find exciting new talent and unearth compelling new wildlife stories.

Open to new photographers, the winner of the award will receive a £5,000 grant to shoot their project and could see their work published in BBC Wildlife Magazine, which has featured images from the world’s most renowned photographers over its 51-year history. The grant is sponsored by Kowa, which sells a range of sporting optics products.

Matt Swaine, Editor of BBC Wildlife Magazine, commented: “Seeing your first piece of work published in the world’s best natural-history magazine has to be a defining moment for any photographer. We see this award as a way to promote new talent and we are delighted to have teamed up with Kowa to help foster the next generation of wildlife photographers.”

Eligible photographers are invited to submit 12 wildlife photographs – six from a single wildlife project – that showcase their technical range, creativity and ability. Photographers must also explain how their story, which can be based in the UK or abroad, is going to interest and excite the readers of BBC Wildlife Magazine.