A unique, underwater perspective of a common toad has earned Paul Hobson the title of British Wildlife Photographer of the Year for 2026. The striking black and white image, captured from the bottom of a pond in Sheffield, was selected from over 12,000 entries in the prestigious annual competition.
The awards celebrate the rich diversity of Britain's natural world, with winners announced across 11 adult categories and three youth groups. Ben Lucas was named Young British Wildlife Photographer of the Year for his tender portrait of a sleeping swan cygnet.
Key Takeaways
- Paul Hobson has been named British Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 for his image 'A Toad Swims Across Its Woodland Pond'.
- Ben Lucas won Young British Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 with his photo 'Feathery Pillow'.
- The competition received over 12,000 submissions across 11 adult and 3 youth categories.
- Winning images highlight the beauty of British wildlife, from urban foxes to coastal puffins.
- A book featuring over 250 winning and shortlisted photos is now available for preorder.
A Winning Perspective From Below
The overall winning photograph, titled ‘A Toad Swims Across Its Woodland Pond’, provides a rarely seen view of wildlife. Photographer Paul Hobson achieved the shot by submerging a custom-built glass box in a local pond and waiting patiently for the perfect moment.
"I am lucky to have a pond close to my house that has relatively clear water," Hobson explained. He noted that toads frequently use the pond for breeding, which inspired him to attempt the ambitious underwater shot. The main challenge was not just the setup, which involved a long cable release to trigger the shutter from a distance, but also the behavior of the toads themselves.
"I had to wait quite a long time until a toad swam across the surface — most of them would usually swim below it and rest on the glass."
The resulting image, which also won the Black and White category, captures the toad's silhouette against the bright, rippling surface of the water, creating a mesmerizing and graphic composition. It demonstrates both technical skill and a deep understanding of animal behavior.
Youth Photographer Captures a Moment of Peace
In the youth competition, 15-year-old Ben Lucas earned the top prize of Young British Wildlife Photographer of the Year. His photograph, ‘Feathery Pillow’, shows a young mute swan cygnet resting its head on the back of a sibling.
The close-up portrait is remarkable for its intimacy and emotional depth, highlighting a serene moment in the often harsh natural world. Lucas, who also won the 15-17 Years category, expressed his feelings about the scene.
"Nature can often be so cruel, but tender moments like this warm my heart!" he remarked. The image showcases a gentle side of wildlife that resonates with viewers and judges alike.
Competition by the Numbers
- Total Entries: More than 12,000
- Adult Categories: 11
- Youth Age Groups: 3 (11 and Under, 12-14, 15-17)
- Featured Photos in Book: Over 250
Celebrating Britain's Diverse Wildlife
The British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) serve as an annual showcase of the country's incredible biodiversity. The winning entries span a wide range of subjects and environments, from dense woodlands to urban landscapes and coastal waters.
Will Nicholls, Director of the BWPA, commented on the quality of this year's submissions. "This year’s winners celebrate the wonder, diversity and character of British wildlife in truly exceptional ways," he said. "Together, they offer a joyful celebration of Britain’s natural world, while also reminding us why these places and species are so deserving of our care and protection."
Highlights from Adult Categories
The competition's categories encourage photographers to explore different aspects of the natural world. Each winner tells a unique story about British wildlife.
- Animal Behavior: Mark Parker's 'Nemesis' won this category, depicting a dramatic confrontation.
- Animal Portraits: Alastair Marsh's 'Standing Tall' captured the proud stature of its subject, earning the top spot.
- Urban Wildlife: 'Asleep at the Wheel' by Simon Withyman, a clever shot of an animal in an unexpected urban setting, was the category winner.
- Coast and Marine: James Lynott’s vibrant image 'Glowing Bright' took first place, illuminating the beauty of marine life.
- Wild Woods: The winner was 'Beams of Brightness' by Mark Richardson, a photograph that captures the ethereal quality of light filtering through a forest.
About the British Wildlife Photography Awards
The BWPA was established to recognize the talents of photographers practicing in Great Britain while also highlighting the beauty and fragility of its wildlife. The competition encourages discovery and conservation, aiming to inspire the public to value and protect the natural world around them.
A Platform for Emerging Talent
The awards are not just for seasoned professionals. The youth categories provide a significant platform for young, aspiring photographers to gain recognition for their work and passion for nature.
Alongside Ben Lucas's overall youth win, two other young photographers were celebrated:
- 11 and Under Winner: Jamie Smart for the image 'Cutting Edge'.
- 12-14 Years Winner: Jack Crockford for 'Acrobatic Hobby'.
These awards highlight the impressive skill and dedication present in the next generation of wildlife photographers, ensuring a bright future for the craft.
All the awarded images from the 2026 competition are being published in a hardcover coffee-table book by Graffeg Books. The book, featuring a foreword by actor Mackenzie Crook, is available for preorder and showcases over 250 of the best entries. Submissions for the 2027 competition are already open, inviting a new wave of photographers to capture the essence of British wildlife.