Snap happy showcase

AWildlife Photographer of the

Year will be back at The Base in Greenham in March and sees some of the most spectacular images of the natural world in one collection.

The exhibition is on loan from the

Natural History Museum in London and shines a light on stories and species from around the world using the emotive and striking power of photography.

It is one of the most prestigious events of its kind after showcasing global photography talent for nearly six decades.

The competition received nearly 50,000 entries from 95 countries across the world and this year will also see the winning entries taken on an international tour.

It is expected to garner an audience of more than one millions people, with the chosen venues including The Base.

It is among a programme of events at the venue in Greenham, West Berkshire, which includes a five-week wildlife photography course, art workshops, and printing sessions.

It will also see a talk from Richard Sabin, the principal curator of mammals at the Natural History Museum and one of the judges for this year’s competitions.

He will share insights into the photographs as well as exploring the stories behind them.

Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural

History Museum said: ‘We are facing urgent biodiversity and climate crises, and photography is a powerful catalyst for change.

“The Wildlife Photographer of the

Year exhibition reveals some of nature’s most wondrous sights whilst offering hope and achievable actions visitors can take to help protect the natural world.”

Chair of the judging panel, Kathy Moran, said: “What most impressed the jury was the range of subjects, from absolute beauty, rarely seen behaviours and species to images that are stark reminders of what we are doing to the natural world.

“We felt a powerful tension between wonder and woe that we believe came together to create a thought-provoking collection of photographs.”

The Wildlife Photographer of the

Year exhibition is showing at The Base, Greenham, from Friday, March 1, to Sunday, April 14, open from 10am-5pm WednesdaySunday.

Tickets cost £10.95, £9.25 for concessions, and entry is free for Base Pass holders.

■ Full details and tickets available via: thebasegreenham.co.uk