Here are the winning images from this year's British Wildlife Photography Awards

The winners of the British Wildlife Photography Awards 2017 have been announced, celebrating the work of amateur and professional photographers and the beauty of British wildlife.

The winning images were picked from thousands of entries across 15 categories, with Daniel Trim taking the prize for Overall Winning Image with his ‘Heathrow Roostings’ of a Pied Wagtail at Heathrow airport.

The image shows a single individual out of hundreds silhouetted by the lights of Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport.

“Living near London I’m always amazed by how nature can benefit from urban areas,” said Daniel. “There are many urban pied wagtail roosts across the UK during winter and they are incredibly important for the birds survival during these harder times, both for the additional warmth our buildings generate but also because there’s safety in numbers.

“I waited for a cold night when their numbers swell. After about 30 minutes I hadn’t seen a single wagtail, however, it wasn’t long until hundreds were dropping in to the trees next to the terminal building, all calling away.

“It’s an impressive sight to see and once the initial excitement was over I spent time looking for birds I could isolate against interesting background lighting. The birds soon tuck their heads under their wing to sleep which doesn’t make the silhouette as pleasing, you have to get lucky with one waking up briefly to have a look around.”

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Lucy McRobert, communications manager at The Wildlife Trusts, added: “This stunning photograph perfectly captures how magical wild experiences can be, even when they’re right on your doorstep.

“It’s a great reminder that wildlife can be found in the most ordinary places, every single day. We love
that a pied wagtail has as much power to inspire someone as a rare animal or dramatic landscape.”

The competition includes a category for film and two junior categories to encourage young people to connect with nature through photography.

WWF-UK chief executive Tanya Steele said: “This latest collection of stunning photographs from the British Wildlife Photography Awards is a fabulous celebration of the wealth of biodiversity our small and densely populated island still possesses.

“As well as, of course, great testament to the talent, artistry, determination and commitment of
the photographers who created them.

“WWF is therefore delighted to continue its support of this inspiring competition, raising awareness of the natural beauty and variety of life we have within and around our shores, and the on-going battle to protect it.”