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

The post Ian Wood Wins People’s Choice at Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60 first appeared on The London Bell.

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

The post Ian Wood’s ‘No Access’ Wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award first appeared on The London Bell.