Winners announced for 2026 Bird Aware Solent Photography Competition

Winners announced for 2026 Bird Aware Solent Photography Competition

May 2026

The winners of this year’s Bird Aware Solent Photography Competition have been announced, celebrating photos that capture the beauty and diversity of wildlife along the south coast.

Overall winner Graham Snelgar, from Hedge End, impressed the judging panel with his dynamic photograph of three redshanks racing across the shoreline at Meon Shore.

Charlotte Goswell, a ranger at Bird Aware Solent and member of the judging panel, said:

“Graham’s image really stood out. He’s captured the redshanks in a moment of pure energy, and the low viewpoint gives us a glimpse into their world without disturbing them. It’s a beautiful reminder of why these protected birds need space to rest and feed along our coastline.”

This year’s competition attracted more than 400 entries and continues to champion photographers who put the welfare of wildlife first.

Graham’s love of nature began in childhood, nurtured by his parents, early RSPB membership, sketchbooks, binoculars and a fascination with David Attenborough’s work. “Ultimately I love the peace nature brings and I never tire of the incredible moments you get to witness,” he said.

He describes Titchfield Haven and Meon Shore as his favourite Solent locations: “For a relatively small area, it is so diverse and maintains a wild feel, drawing in so many different species.”

Three redshanks racing across Meon Shore by Graham Snelgar, overall winner of this year’s Bird Aware Solent photography competition

Junior category winner Clara Boniface, aged 9 and from Southampton, was recognised for her atmospheric photograph of a heron silhouetted on the river at Thorney Island.  Judges praised her composition and creative use of a wide‑angle lens. A keen nature lover, Clara took up photography to capture what she sees and deepen her understanding of the natural world. As part of her prize, she and her family will enjoy a guided birdwatching walk with a Bird Aware ranger.

In the Solent landscapes category, first place went to Richard Jones for his evocative image of brent geese flying over Chichester Harbour. Richard, who lives near Langstone and Chichester Harbours, is a keen landscape photographer who is always seeking to capture the shifting moods of these beautiful, expansive and largely undisturbed wildlife havens.

The wildlife‑aware dogs category was won by Matt Bowdler from Chandlers Ford for his photograph of Willow, his 8‑year‑old Labradoodle, walking with his parents. Judges commended the family’s care in keeping Willow close so she can enjoy her walk while giving birds and other wildlife the space they need.

A special award for the best photograph taken with a mobile phone was won by Lisa Buckingham from Cosham, for her striking photograph of cloud formations over Farlington Marshes. The judging team felt her dramatic image really stood out – an impressive achievement on a mobile phone, which she says is ideal for capturing sweeping landscapes and the rich colours and drama of big skies.

Bird Aware encourages everyone visiting the coast to be mindful of birds, to move further away if they become alert, to keep dogs close, and to follow requests on signs. The competition aims to raise awareness of the remarkable wildlife along the Solent and to celebrate photography that respects and protects nature.

A heron silhouetted on the river at Thorney Island by Clara Boniface, 9, winner of the Junior category in this year’s competition