Search for 2019 Mammal Photographer of the Year begins

The Mammal Society is on the look out for its next Mammal Photographer of the Year. Could that be you?

Today, in the midst of its National Mammal Week activities, the Mammal Society has launched the annual Mammal Photographer of the Year competition for amateur wildlife photographers.

The first prize in the 2018 competition was won by James West’s stunning photograph Common Dolphin in Flight (pictured) taken near the Cairns of Coll, Scotland.

Chair of this year’s judges and editor of Mammal News Hilary Conlan explains “Any photographer who manages to capture a great image of one of Britain’s elusive mammals is generally both lucky and talented in equal measure. This year we are very fortunate to have not one but two brilliant photographers on our judging panel. Based in Scotland, Peter Cairns is a nature and conservation photographer with some 20 years’ experience whilst Brett Lewis is a photographer as well as a freelance ecologist. Both Peter and Brett will be able to fully appreciate the skill and patience it takes to produce a prize-winning image. I am thrilled that they have agreed to join us and am really looking forward to hearing their expert opinions.”

This year’s categories are Mammals of Great Britain (first prize and runner up), Young Mammal Photographer of the Year (16-18 years and 15 years and under), Mammal Comedian of the Year and Mammal Society Member’s photograph.

Each year over 300 entries are received and prizes are presented at the opening of the Mammal Society Spring Conference, which in 2019 will be held at the University of Glasgow. Prizes will be presented by Peter Cairns, who will also be delivering this year's Cranbrook Lecture. For full terms and conditions and details of how to enter go to www.mammal.org.uk/mpoy. 

Prizes include: an all-inclusive five day conservation holiday in Dorset courtesy of Wild Days Conservation; a two night stay in a luxury yurt at Knepp Wildlife Safaris in Sussex; a day of wildlife photography with Westcountry Wildlife Photography Centre; Binoculars and a copy of the book A Year in British Wildlife donated by CJ Wildlife; and, a £50 voucher and subscription to British Wildlife Magazine courtesy of NHBS.  

Ends

Notes to Editors

Contact: For more information (including high res images) contact: pr@themammalsociety.org

Photograph (above): Common Dolphin in Flight by James West - Winner MPOY2018

Photograph (featured image): Kiss me Quick Hares by Sarah Darnell - Highly Commended MPOY2018

About the Mammal Society

• The Mammal Society is a charitable organisation working at the interface of science, policy making and practice. As the only society with an interest in all British mammals, its mission is to provide the scientific evidence-base for effective conservation and management.
• The Mammal Society recently completed the first review of the Population and Conservation Status of British Mammals for more than 20 years. The Review was published by Natural England in June 2018, together with the Red List of Threatened Mammals for Great Britain. A technical summary of the Review and Red List are available on the Mammal Society website www.mammal.org.uk. Britain’s Mammals 2018, an abbreviated version of the Review, is available to purchase from NHBS.

Anyone who is interested in mammals, would like to support mammal conservation, access specialist information and benefit from discounted courses, should consider joining the Mammal Society today. Visit www.mammal.org.uk.