A DROITWICH photographer is celebrating after this stunning image was awarded the top prize in the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust (WWT) 2027 calendar contest.
Nick Southam captured the fungi under blue light in Droitwich Community Woods. The shot helped him beat more than 350 other photographs to become the overall winner after a public vote.
The fungi photo takes pride of place on the front cover of the 2027 WWT calendar.
The other 11 winning images will feature throughout the calendar, together showcasing Worcestershire’s amazing wildlife and wild spaces.
Winners each receive a copy of the calendar.
Nick said he was absolutely delighted to have won – especially after one of his images last year was a runner-up but did not make it into the calendar.
“That experience inspired me to spend more time searching for fungi and to think more carefully about creating an atmospheric image, rather than simply recording what I found.
“Fungi can be easily overlooked but they’re incredibly diverse and fascinating.
“It’s been rewarding to slow down, explore local woodlands and try to capture their beauty.
“It’s a real honour this photograph has connected with so many people and I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to vote for it.”
As well as 12 winning images, which feature as A4-size photos, the calendar features 24 images from runners-up.
The popular competition attracted entries from 80 photographers.
All WTT staff were involved in judging the competition. Pofessional wildlife photographer Pete Walkden (Pete Walkden Photography) and semi-professional photographer Jason Curtis (Wyre Wildlife) helped with the final judging.
The competition’s organiser Wendy Carter thanked all the talented photographers who entered.
She said “Nick’s stunning image is a worthy winner of this year’s photo competition – it’s a really arresting image for the front cover of our calendar.”
She said everyone at the trust loved seeing the range of wildlife and wild places captured, adding the standard was always high and judging always really difficult.
The calendar inspires people to check out the nature on their doorstep. And it raises funds to help the trust carry out its conservation work across the county.
Visit: worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/shop for more on the calendar and: flickr.com/photos/worcestershirewildlifetrust to see all the winning images.
