Dazzling damselfly wins Sussex Wildlife Trust Photo Competition

Sussex Wildlife Trust judges, headed up by professional international wildlife photographer David Plummer, selected 12 finalists from more than 600 entries for its online photography competition. Then it was over to the public, where over 750 people voted for their favourite.

It was a tough choice, but we are excited to announce Brian Watkins of Haywards Heath as the winner, with his outstanding photo - Banded Demoiselle Silhouette.

Brian told us 'The photo was a lucky chance encounter - I had been out one evening photographing a wild Barn Owl. Once the sun had started to set, I began to make my way back to the car, when I noticed the Banded Demoiselle roosting on a piece of grass. I'd always wanted a nice shot of one of these, so quickly changed to a macro lens and just had enough time to frame the Demoiselle using the setting sun before it disappeared below the horizon. I decided to try the silhouette as it was too dark for a standard shot and I'm so pleased it worked.'

Anthony Thomsett from Henfield was voted the runner-up with his perfectly captured hunting Fox - titled Mouse Hunt.

Anthony said "I had observed this Vixen hunting in the field and decided to hide myself sitting downwind with my back to a large oak wearing camouflage, the fox came very close and continued to hunt."

Brian has won first prize of £100 and Anthony won a t-shirt from Sussex Wildlife Trust's online clothing store.

All 12 finalists’ photographs will feature in Sussex Wildlife Trust’s 2023 online calendar, available to download in December this year. The photos will also feature on social media and the Trust’s members’ magazine. All 12 images will also be displayed at the Trust's AGM and at the Booth Museum in Brighton next year.

Thank you to everyone who has taken part in this year's competition.