Ian Wood’s photo “No Access,” featuring a badger admiring street art, won the People’s Choice Award at Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60. The award highlights the connection between urban wildlife and humans amidst concerns over the badger cull in England. Wood aims to raise awareness about the culling’s negative impacts through his photography.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60 People’s Choice Award has been won by Ian Wood for his captivating photo of a badger admiring street art, titled “No Access”. The image triumphed over 24 other finalists, resonating with the public during the competition. Ian, inspired by badgers foraging near his home, set up a hide to capture the moment when one badger paused to look at the graffiti, illuminated by a lamppost.
In his rural Dorset home, Ian Wood is concerned about the ongoing badger cull which threatens local populations. In a bid to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of this cull, he hopes his award-winning photograph will prompt discussions on rewilding and habitat enhancement for wildlife. Ian stated, “The outpouring of badger love… has been beautifully overwhelming.”
Eurasian badgers are proficient omnivores, with earthworms making up a significant portion of their diet, particularly in northern Europe. These adaptable creatures consume a variety of foods, including insects, small mammals, and even hedgehogs, which they can eat thanks to their sharp claws. Urban badgers have increasingly incorporated human leftovers, but this can pose health risks as certain foods, like chocolate, are toxic to them.
Once at risk due to habitat loss and disease, badgers have seen their numbers rebound since the 1970s, benefitting from legal protection. In England and Wales, the badger population increased to about half a million by 2014. Badgers play a crucial role in their ecosystems as predators and engineers, contributing to biodiversity through their burrowing habits, which create new growth opportunities for plants.
Despite their ecological role, badgers are implicated in the spread of bovine tuberculosis, leading to controversial culling practices in the UK. Over 230,000 badgers have been culled since 2013 to combat this disease. Plans are in place to end the cull by 2030, transitioning to a vaccination strategy for both badgers and cattle.
Ian Wood’s striking photo is showcased among nearly 60,000 entries for this year’s contest, celebrating the complexity of nature and the challenges it faces. Dr Douglas Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum, praised Ian’s work, emphasising its reflection of nature’s connection with humanity. Other notable images in the competition have also been recognised, contributing to the exhibition running until June 2025.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition highlights stunning photographic depictions of nature and raises awareness about ecological issues. The recent awarding of the People’s Choice title to Ian Wood underscores the importance of urban wildlife and ongoing discussions surrounding wildlife preservation amid human encroachment. The competition aims to convey the critical relationship between humans and the natural world.
Ian Wood’s victory with his poignant image of a badger highlights the complexities of urban wildlife and the impact of human activities. His work not only won the People’s Choice Award but also seeks to initiate dialogue regarding the ongoing badger cull and wildlife conservation efforts. The continued importance of nature photography in raising awareness about environmental challenges is evident in this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.
Original Source: www.nhm.ac.uk