British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) 2027 (BWPA 15)
The British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) is the leading dedicated wildlife competition for British and Irish subjects, with strict ethical rules on animal welfare and authenticity. The 2026 winners were announced in March 2026, with Paul Hobson taking the overall title for 'A Toad Swims Across Its Woodland Pond', shot from the bottom of a Sheffield pond. The fifteenth edition, BWPA 15, opened on 10 March 2026, closed at 23:59 BST on 7 June 2026 and is now in judging: high-resolution files were requested in July 2026 and the winners will be announced in March 2027. The rules prohibit AI-based image generation tools, permit denoise and sharpening, and require RAW files from shortlisted entrants.
- Deadline
- June 7, 2026
- Entry fee
- £35 for 25 entries (plus VAT for UK entrants), £40 for 25 entries from 31 May 2026; Youth entrants need no entry credits
- Opens
- March 10, 2026
- Results
- March 1, 2027
The 2027 edition has ended
Entries closed on June 7, 2026. The information on this page describes this edition and stays available as a reference for the rules and the results.
Still open for entries
- Scottish Nature Photography Awards 2026
- Wildlife Photographer of the Year 63
- Ocean Art 2026 Underwater Photo Competition
Authenticity policy
AI policy
The use of AI-based tools for image generation is strictly prohibited in the competition. For example, extending the background of an image using content generation tools or removing elements within an image are not permitted.
RAW files
Entrants that are shortlisted for the final round of judging will be required to provide: raw format files (such as .NEF, .CR2 etc) or, if unavailable, original untouched JPEGs for authentication and forensic purposes.
Editing rules
BWPA accepts only images taken in Britain or the British Isles. The code of ethics prohibits injuring, distressing or intentionally disturbing animals, plus live baiting. Composited images, sky swapping and cloning beyond dust spots or lens dirt are banned (minor backscatter cleaning in underwater photos excepted). AI-based image generation tools, such as extending a background or removing elements, are prohibited, while Denoise and Sharpening tools (for example Topaz Labs or Lightroom) are permitted. Shortlisted entrants must supply RAW files or original untouched JPEGs for authentication.
Verified on November 7, 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Can I still enter British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) 2027 (BWPA 15)?
- No. Entries for the 2027 edition closed on June 7, 2026. Check the official site for the next edition, or look at contests that are currently open.
- Does British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) 2027 (BWPA 15) allow AI-generated images?
- No. British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) 2027 (BWPA 15) does not permit AI-generated images in its competition entries.
- Are RAW files required to enter British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) 2027 (BWPA 15)?
- Shortlisted entrants must supply their RAW files.
- When is the British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) 2027 (BWPA 15) entry deadline?
- Entries for British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) 2027 (BWPA 15) close on June 7, 2026.
- How much does it cost to enter British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) 2027 (BWPA 15)?
- £35 for 25 entries (plus VAT for UK entrants), £40 for 25 entries from 31 May 2026; Youth entrants need no entry credits
- When are the British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) 2027 (BWPA 15) results announced?
- British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) 2027 (BWPA 15) announces its results on March 1, 2027.
Do you run a photo contest? See how organizers verify entries
More Wildlife contests
Browse all contests- Scottish Nature Photography Awards 2026
- Wildlife Photographer of the Year 63
- Ocean Art 2026 Underwater Photo Competition
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- Bird Photographer of the Year 2027 (BPOTY 12)
- Underwater Photographer of the Year 2027 (UPY)