British photographer Ian Wood has won the 2024 Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award with his image titled ‘No Access’, which captures a Eurasian badger looking at graffiti in St Leonards-on-Sea, England. The award received over 76,000 votes from wildlife enthusiasts globally, highlighting significant interest in nature photography.

Dr Douglas Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum, praised Wood’s photo for showcasing the relationship between urban environments and wildlife. He emphasised that the image exemplifies how local nature can captivate and inspire people, triggering a greater awareness of urban wildlife.

Wood’s photo emerged after he observed badgers foraging for food scraps left by locals. He set up a hide at night to capture the moment, illuminated only by lampposts. Wood expressed gratitude for the reception of his photograph and aimed to raise awareness regarding the ongoing badger cull in the UK, which threatens badger populations.

Alongside Wood’s winning image, four others received ‘Highly Commended’ status: Francisco Negroni’s ‘Earth and Sky’, Jess Findlay’s ‘Edge of Night’, Michel d’Oultremont’s ‘Whiteout’, and David Northall’s ‘Spiked’. These images were chosen from a shortlist of 25 nominated photos out of nearly 60,000 entries.

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, founded in 1965 and organised by the Natural History Museum, celebrates the artistic and emotional impact of wildlife photography. The People’s Choice Award is a key highlight, allowing the public to vote for their favourite images, thereby increasing engagement with wildlife and nature conservation issues. This year, the competition has attracted a record number of votes, underlining its popularity and relevance. Urban wildlife, especially in relation to human interaction, is a crucial theme in contemporary nature photography. The ongoing badger cull in the UK has drawn significant public concern, making the need for awareness through visual storytelling particularly urgent. The selected images reflect the diverse conditions and species photographed within their natural habitats.

Ian Wood’s ‘No Access’ reflects the importance of understanding wildlife in urban settings, showcasing the often-overlooked interactions between nature and human influences. The People’s Choice Award not only highlights exceptional photography but also aims to inspire change regarding urban wildlife conservation. The wider success of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year continues to engage audiences worldwide, fostering a greater appreciation for nature and the challenges it faces due to human activity.

Original Source: www.nhm.ac.uk

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