Vote Now: Photo Competition Finalists Revealed

, 21 October 2025
Vote Now: Photo Competition Finalists Revealed

Sussex Wildlife Trust Photography Competition judges, local wildlife expert and professional photographer David Plummer alongside wildlife photographer Lisa Saw, recently faced the challenge of selecting just 12 finalists from hundreds of truly outstanding entries. We're thrilled to announce that the shortlist has now been revealed.

Now it's over to you – browse through the final twelve photographs and vote for your favourite!

Vote for your favourite

Voting closes on Monday 3 November 2025. The overall winner will be announced later in November.

The Final 12

Bird’s Nest Fungi by Wendy Ball

1. Bird’s Nest Fungi by Wendy Ball

Our judges said

Ground-level detail on this fungus creates an intimate view into the macro world, giving the feeling of peering into the 'nest'.

Castle Water Cormorants by Don Clarke

2. Castle Water Cormorants by Don Clarke

Our judges said

Unusual view of a common species with wonderful detail of colour in the eyes and plumage. The nest-level angle gives the image more impact.
Emperor Dragonfly by Simon Watkins

3. Emperor Dragonfly by Simon Watkins

Our judges said

Beautifully sharp photo of a fast species that is difficult to shoot. Great composition with aesthetically pleasing wings.
Evening Watch by Simon Grinyer

4. Evening Watch by Simon Grinyer

Our judges said

Lovely close-up shot with gorgeous late-evening sidelight. A brave choice to opt for a cropped view of the owl.
Fiery Heathland Dawn at Stedham Common by Lloyd Lane

5. Fiery Heathland Dawn at Stedham Common by Lloyd Lane

Our judges said

Capturing the heath's mix of vivid colours, the path leads the viewer into the landscape, inviting you to experience it.
Hiding in Plain Sight by Aaron Lillycrop

6. Hiding in Plain Sight by Aaron Lillycrop

Our judges said

Intimate capture of a Turnstone nestled amongst the pebbles. The soft focus and blur of the shingle give the image an abstract feel.
Hovering Little Tern by Simon Watkins

7. Hovering Little Tern by Simon Watkins

Our judges said

Angelic image of a Little Tern captured just before a dive. Beautiful composition.
Kestrel by Colin Mitchell

8. Kestrel by Colin Mitchell

Our judges said

Excellent detail captured in the wings, eyes and feet of this Kestrel.
Light through the Trees by Chris Mole

9. Light through the Trees by Chris Mole

Our judges said

Moody autumnal shot. The imposing ancient trees appear almost seaweed-like in silhouette. Magnificent bare trees.
Reed Bunting by John Lauper

10. Reed Bunting by John Lauper

Our judges said

Beautiful sharp, singing action shot against a soft background.
Reflections of Woods Mill in the dew on a Skipper by Jon Appleyard

11. Reflections of Woods Mill in the dew on a Skipper by Jon Appleyard

Our judges said

Amazing detail of the dew droplets, hair and eyes. An accomplished macro shot.
Sundew by Wendy Ball

12. Sundew by Wendy Ball

Our judges said

Great use of light and beautiful composition in the image of this striking plant.

Vote for your favourite