Nature photography competition winners announced 

Norfolk Wildlife Trust has announced the winners of their nature photography competition for 2023. Over 600 photographs were submitted, showing the stunning variety of wildlife that calls Norfolk home. 

Paul Richards’ image of hares in the snow was chosen as the Judges’ Overall Favourite. Amelia Jane Balls earned the well-deserved title of Best Young Photographer for her image of a hare in the spring sunshine. Each of these lucky winners received a pair of binoculars from competition sponsors ZEISS’ new SFL (SmartFocus Lightweight) range, worth over £1200. 

Both winning images and 10 runners up have been featured in Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s annual calendar, with the proceeds going towards supporting the charity’s conservation work. The calendar is available to purchase from all Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Visitor Centres at Hickling Broad, Ranworth Broad, Holme Dunes and Cley Marshes, for £8.99. 

The competition was judged by: conservationist and wildlife presenter, Jess French; wildlife photographer and cameraman Josh Jaggard; wildlife presenter, conservationist and author Ajay Tegala; and Norfolk-based photographer Paula Cooper.   

Ajay Tegala said: “There was such a wealth of fantastic photographs, choosing was a challenge but also an absolute pleasure. The winning image captures a unique moment in time, in very wintry weather. As well as admiring the beautiful hares in the snowy landscape, you can really imagine the patience and layers of warm clothing that were required to take the photograph.  

“Helping judge really highlighted what a rich and wonderful variety of nature Norfolk has… and what a talented group of photographers spend time to respectfully capture it!” 

Paula Cooper said: “I loved the winning image, it was very atmospheric, taken in falling snow and showing the interaction of the hares. It stood out from the usual hare shots taken in spring. 

The standard of the entries was great, really celebrating the wildlife we have in Norfolk, making it so difficult to judge.” 

Winners and runners up are as follows:

The Judges’ Overall Favourite Photograph, taken by Paul Richards. 

“The hares were taken in one of our winter storms when the Beast from the East transformed our winter landscapes. The hares were chasing each other across the windswept landscape and I captured the drama as one hare watched the others try to escape.” 

Best Young Photographer, photo taken by Amelia Jane Balls, aged 11. 

“This photo of a hare warming up in the sunshine was taken whilst on a circular walk in Potter Heigham” 

Runner up: A bittern steps out across the daisies in front of Dauke’s Hide, NWT Cley and Salthouse Marshes. Taken by Heather Hipson 

Runner up: Small red eyed damselflies, Sculthorpe Moor. Photograph taken by Tim Harris 

Runner up: Barn owl hunting over the marshes at St Benet’s Abbey. Photograph by Jon Kelf 

Runner up: Grey seal pup lounging on the beach at Horsey Gap, photograph by John Boyle. 

Runner up: Hermit crab, Cromer Chalk Reef. Photograph by Daniel Masters. 

Runner up: Fox cubs, South Norfolk. Photograph by Nick Appleton. 

Runner up: Two newly fledged long-tailed tits, Brancaster Staithe. Photograph by Gillian Thompson. 

Runner up: Bank vole peeping out from fallen leaves, Neatishead. Photograph by Jon Kelf 

Runner up: Thousands of knot take flight at RSPB Snettisham. Photograph by Clive Burns  

Runner up: Hummingbird Hawkmoth feeding at Holkham Hall. Photograph by Daniel Leadley 

Runner up: Fox cubs, South Norfolk. Photograph by Nick Appleton.

Runner up: Two newly fledged long-tailed tits, Brancaster Staithe. Photograph by Gillian Thompson.

Runner up: A bittern steps out across the daisies in front of Dauke’s Hide, NWT Cley and Salthouse Marshes. Taken by Heather Hipso

Runner up: Barn owl hunting over the marshes at St Benet’s Abbey. Photograph by Jon Kelf

Runner up: Bank vole peeping out from fallen leaves, Neatishead. Photograph by Jon Kelf

Runner up: Hummingbird Hawkmoth feeding at Holkham Hall. Photograph by Daniel Leadley

Runner up: Thousands of knot take flight at RSPB Snettisham. Photograph by Clive Burns

Runner up: Grey seal pup lounging on the beach at Horsey Gap, photograph by John Boyle.

Runner up: Hermit crab, Cromer Chalk Reef. Photograph by Daniel Masters.

Runner up: Small red eyed damselflies, Sculthorpe Moor. Photograph taken by Tim Harris