A huge thank you to everyone who entered. Take a look and be inspired by the winning photos.
Earlier this year we invited supporters to share their top nature photos to feature in The RSPB Inspiring Nature Calendar 2026. More than 1,600 of you rose to the challenge, sharing your photos of birds, bugs, mammals, plants, landscapes and more.
It was a truly inspirational collection. Thank you to everyone who entered. Sadly there could be only 12 winners and we’re delighted to share the winning photos with you.
All the winning photographs capture the beauty of the nature that, together, we’re fighting to save every day.
Wren fledglings by Ian MacFayden
“I was in the garden when these Wren fledglings began exiting the nest box one by one. They didn't fly out, rather, they gingerly crawled out hanging onto the front of the nest box, then making their way down to the ground, hanging onto the wall. It appeared that each of them then flew off in their own separate directions, I couldn't keep track of them.
“However, after going indoors after they'd left the box, I returned outside 15 minutes later and to my delight, found that they'd all re-grouped and were sitting together on the garden bench about 15 feet from the nest box. I grabbed my camera and took a few shots before they all flew off together into next door's garden. I never saw any of them again!”
Pine Marten kits by Edith Macdonald
“We discovered this pair of Pine Marten kits nestled in the bluebells whilst out walking our dog in the local woods. I rushed home to get my camera and returned later, delighted, to find they were still there. It was a rare and unexpected sight that I will never forget.”
Tawny Owl by Andy Nayler
“This photo was taken at RSPB Leighton Moss, just before 10am on a Saturday in June. I've seen Fox, Otter, Stoat and both Red and Roe Deer in the same area on previous visits, but this morning I could hear two young Tawny Owls calling for food from their parents. I approached slowly but could only see one of them, the other was hidden amongst the leaves and branches. The youngster could clearly see me on the path, so I took a few quick photos and left them alone in case the adults were watching nearby.”
Puffins by Louisa Veasey
“I had an unforgettable day visiting Skomer Island to observe the Puffins and other bird life during the Summer. The sun was shining while the Puffins whizzed overhead, returning with sand eels to feed their Pufflings.
“As we were heading back to the boat to leave the island, we spotted one Puffin coming in to land, to greet its mate. They both flapped their wings in a synchronised greeting, creating this wonderful, mirrored scene. I was so pleased that I managed to capture this moment as it felt really special to witness this beautiful behaviour.”
See more of Louisa’s photos on Instagram @louisa_wildlife.
Fox by Tony Dunn
“I had been watching a Fox family for quite a while and noticed that this gap in the trees was a favourite place for them to come out of the woodland. I positioned myself where I could get a nice clean photo with the grass and trees framing the subject and fortunately this Fox paused long enough for me to take this photo.”
Seven-spot Ladybird by Richard Mansfield
“The fields next to my house have been left to rewild in recent years and we have seen a wider variety of flora and fauna as a result. The colour contrast in this image was a real eye catcher and I watched in awe as the ladybird negotiated its passage through the greenery.”
Mistle Thrush by Rob Bendelow
“The resident Mistle Thrush pair were attempting to protect their winter larder from marauding Redwings, with limited success, by flying at the tree Sparrowhawk-style. On just one occasion, the Mistle Thrush alighted in the centre of the tree, for perhaps three seconds; that's when I managed to grab the shot. As it flew away, I called after it, ‘Thank you!’”
Robin by Sandra Graham
“This was taken in the grounds of Barony Castle, Eddleston near Peebles in the Scottish Borders. A little puffed up Robin looking for food on the coldest, frostiest of winter mornings.”
Bearded Tit by Adrian Almond
“I am thrilled to be one of the 12 winners for this competition and am particularly pleased that you chose an image of one of my favourite birds. I get the greatest pleasure from my nature photography of birds when I can capture a challenging shot of a bird in flight with a complicated background and often with vegetation to avoid.
“I visit the grit trays at RSPB Leighton Moss every year, always trying to capture more ambitious and dynamic images and the Bearded Tits’ behaviours and actions always offer me new opportunities, besides I can never tire of seeing these superb birds! I just love the markings on the male bird in particular and enjoyed capturing the open wings pattern.”
See more of Adrian’s photos at adrianalmond.smugmug.com.
First place
Grey Seal pup by Andy Wilmore
“The Grey Seals come into the sand dunes to give birth to pups every October to December. I walked out at low tide onto the sand bank and came across this pup who had been left to fend for himself whilst his mother had gone to fight off males ready to mate with her again.
I lay completely flat on the ground to get an eye level shot and after about 50 to 100 shots, I had to rush off the sandbank as the tide was coming in behind me!”
Second place
Short-eared Owl by Iain Donnachie
“I had heard that there was the possibility of seeing Short-eared Owls in Aberdeen so made a three-hour journey north not knowing if my timing would again leave me disappointed. So imagine my delight when I pulled the car into the side of a busy main road and saw this one flying gracefully over a fenced-off area of scrubland in search of a vole or two for lunch!
“Given the very urban location and proximity to Aberdeen beach and a golf course, I couldn't quite believe that I was able to spend time watching and photographing such a stunning bird of prey in daylight and seemingly oblivious to all the people and traffic around it.”
See more of Iain’s photos on Instagram @pictures_from_the_bench.
Third place
Gannet by Sean Howell
“Spring and summer is such a magical time at Bempton Cliffs, and at no time more than just after sunrise. This image of a Gannet collecting his gift for his nesting partner was taken in the hour after sunrise, as the cliffs came alive. A brief rain shower had passed and the birds were very active, whether gifting and courting, or preparing for a day’s fishing. It was a magical moment which I believe was captured in this image.”
See more of Sean’s photos on Instagram @Seanhowellphoto.
The first, second and third prize winners will receive an outdoor pack and camera accessory bundle from our competition sponsor Osprey.
The RSPB Inspiring Nature Calendar 2026, showcasing these winning images, will be available to buy from late 2025.
The RSPB Inspiring Nature Calendar 2025 is available now. All sales support the RSPB’s work.
