This year saw over 1,100 photos submitted from Norfolk residents and visitors, aged 6 to 93! Of these, 12 stunning images were chosen for the 2026 calendar, while 59 highly commended entries will be featured in an exhibition at NWT Cley Marshes in October. These photos capture the beauty of Norfolk’s nature through the eyes of the people that love it. 

Taking on the tricky task of choosing the winners was an expert judging panel: wildlife photographer Megan James; photographer and creative director Fiona Burrage; photographer and art director Jimmy King; graphic designer Hannah Moulton; and NWT Youth Forum member Josh Pepper.

Judge Fiona Burrage said "What struck me most were those beautifully simple moments that clearly required immense patience and technical skill to capture. As a photographer, I have deep respect for the dedication these images represent, and the way they reveal intimate glimpses of Norfolk's wildlife that most of us would never witness first-hand."

This year’s Overall Winner was Alan Dixon, with his photo of fox cubs perfectly capturing the characters of the cubs playing on a warm spring evening just outside their den. Alan patiently observed the cubs from a concealed spot, explaining “The real bonus was that its location was ideal from a lighting point of view - it was lit from the front in the morning and backlit as the sun went down. I spent many hours watching and photographing the cubs and, occasionally, a vixen.”

The judges were impressed by images from young photographers, with their favourite, 22-year-old Nathan Allen’s fox in Great Yarmouth, winning the category with its skilful capturing of the animal’s inquisitive nature. 

New this year was a Mobile Phone Photography category, encouraging those without specialist equipment to share their vision of Norfolk. Winner 19-year-old NUA student Lori Coral captivated the judges with her photo of startled pigeons above Norwich Market, capturing a familiar sight in the city.

Lori explained “Momentarily the sound of the city was drowned by infinite flapping; I hurriedly attempted to capture the sight before the flock had dispersed and was fortunate enough to get the photo that I did. The low angle against an unobstructed sky offers a rare look at urban wildlife in a seemingly human-free environment.”

The three winners were awarded prizes generously donated by competition sponsors ZEISS, with the 12 photographers featured in the calendar also receiving a prize package from brilliant local sponsors Lisa Angel, SOP and WILD Sounds & Books.

A free exhibition of the winners and highly commended images will be held at NWT Cley Marshes throughout October.

The calendar is available to purchase from Norfolk Wildlife Trust visitor centres at Hickling Broad, Holme Dunes and Cley Marshes.

The Norfolk Wildlife Trust Nature Photography Competition will return next year, opening for entries in summer 2026 – so get photographing!