Win a prestigious award, up to £20,000 worth of prizes and exposure in a nationwide touring exhibition and accompanying book. After a successful first year and widely acclaimed photographic exhibition celebrating British wildlife, the BWPA announce the launch of their second competition, now open for entries.

Established to celebrate and recognise the talents of photographers of all nationalities practicing in the UK, while at the same time highlight the great wealth and diversity of British natural history, BWPA are looking to build on recent successes and are introducing several new categories. This Includes a special award for conservation photography and a category dedicated to British biodiversity and native species under threat, to reflect the fact that 2010 has been declared International Year of Biodiversity, by the United Nations.

In the year when the UN Convention on Biological Diversity is highlighting the unprecedented global loss of species, BWPA are introducing a new category dedicated to British biodiversity.Sponsored by Natural England, the government adviser on the natural environment, this category focuses attention on our native species fighting for survival.

2020VISION Conservation Photography Award
This new award for Conservation Photography, sponsored by the Wild Media Foundation, encourages aspiring photographers to adopt a slightly different approach to image making. The award will be presented to the photographer who demonstrates a clear understanding of a contemporary conservation theme or story and who submits a portfolio of up to 8 images which creatively illustrates the chosen subject(s).

There are ten main categories, as well as two special awards to encourage participation by young people, schools and youth community groups.

With a prize fund of up to £20,000 and the overall winner receiving a cash prize of £5,000, the images receiving judges’ commendations will form part of a series of nationwide exhibitions, including a launch and awards event at Hoopers Gallery London, during October 2010. The British Wildlife Photography Awards aim to set the standard for photography of UK wildlife, for many years to come.

Main Awards and Prizes
British WildlifePhotographer £5,000
Young British Wildlife Photographer (under 18)£500
Schools, Youth and Community Group Award £1,000

Category Awards:
The winner of each category will receive prizes with a total value of around £1,000.

The 2020VISION Special Award The winner will be awarded a place on the 2020VISION team and a fully-paid for set of UK commissions.

Categories

1. Animal Portraits
2. Animal Behavior
3. Urban Wildlife
4. Hidden Britain
5 Coast and Marine
6. Wildlife in my Back Yard
7. Habitat
8 British Seasons
9. International Year of Biodoversity
10. The 2020VISION Special Award

Dates
The competition is OPEN from January 21st and the closing date is 4th June 2010. Entrants will be able to submit entries on-line or via post.

Sponsored by Natural England, the government adviser on the natural environment.

Supported by: The Wildlife Trusts, WWF, Scottish Natural Heritage,Countryside Council for Wales,The National Trust, The National Trust for Scotland ,Buglife and Outdoor Photgraphy Magazine.