MCS Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025

Over the course of the year, the MCS Environmental Society has encouraged our community to take photographs of the natural world, to submit as part of the MCS Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. All the photos were taken in the UK, encouraging students to notice and care for the wildlife on their doorsteps. Judged across six categories, ‘Wetlands and water‘, ‘Cute‘, ‘Plants and fungi‘, ‘Animal behaviour‘, ‘Light‘ and ‘Teacher’s choice‘, the winners are as follows:

Wetlands and water

Winner: Ivan (Fifth Form)

“I took the photo in Hebden Bridge in west Yorkshire, we made a quick visit while traveling from Scotland back to Oxford. Standing on the bridge overlooking the canal, I loved how the colourful boats lined up against the reflection of the trees in the water, and how the small track next to the canal seems to lead into the hills up ahead.”

Cute

Winner: Miss Thatcher

Plants and fungi

Winners: Tanish (Third Form), blue roundhead mushrooms and Bohanegan (Second Form), echinacea.

Animal behaviour

Winner: Vedant (Lower Sixth)

“The photo was taken from a window, looking into our house’s garden. I’ve always enjoyed taking photos from a young age, a hobby learned from my dad, focused usually on wildlife. So, when I heard about the competition, I thought I would give it a go.”

Light

Winner: Jonas (Third Form)

“This photo was taken in Port Meadow. The reflection of the grazing horses on the tranquil water in the early morning sun captivated me.”

Teacher’s Choice

Winner: Ms Hemming

Honourable Mentions