The Eden Project's National Wildflower Centre has announced that entries for the Wildflower Photographer of the Year 2026 competition will open on 29 May. The contest highlights images of some of the 1,600 wildflower species found across Britain and Ireland. A curated selection of photographs from last year's competition will be on display at Eden Dock, Canary Wharf, London, during CWG's Nature Week starting 13 July.
Golden Hour by Juliet Klottrup
Common sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and oxeye daisies (Leucanthemum vulgare) at Tithe Green Natural Burial Site, Nottinghamshire. Shot on Kodak medium format film, this image captures wild flowers planted to remember loved ones.
Singular Foxglove by Reece Gibbins
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) at Colstoun, East Lothian. A native foxglove stands out among non-native fennel. Despite its poisonous nature, it is widely used to treat heart failure. The name may derive from 'folk's glove', referencing fairy folk.
Scabious with Hoverfly by Michelle Jackson
Field scabious (Knautia arvensis) at Gallaber Park, Yorkshire Dales.
In the Pinks by Emma Eccles
Sea thrift (Armeria maritima) at Trebarwith Strand, Cornwall. Back-lit sea thrift flanks the South West Coast Path at sunset. This plant is drought- and salt-tolerant, adding texture to the Cornish coast. Amateur category – highly commended, 2025.
Heath Spotted–Orchid by Patrick O'Brien
Heath spotted–orchid (Dactylorhiza maculata) near Dorchester, Dorset. A long lens blurred the background to highlight the flower's beauty.
A Moment of Pause by Jess Shaw
Marsh thistle (Cirsium palustre) at Grass Woods Nature Reserve, North Yorkshire. Important for pollinators and small birds, its stems provide homes for hoverflies.
Dog Rose by Justin Minns
Dog rose (Rosa canina) at Sproughton, Suffolk. The delicate stamen is highlighted against soft pink petals.
Cool Light on the Poppies by Damien Walmsley
Common poppy (Papaver rhoeas) at Kinver, Staffordshire. Captured before sunrise with a telephoto lens, the poppies took on a magical look in cool dawn light. Amateur category – winner, 2025.
Make a Wish by Emma Kenworthy
Common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) at Cinderford, Gloucestershire. Often classed as a weed, it provides food for bees, heals soil, and is a resilient survivor.
Wood Anemone by Tony North
Wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa) at Styal Woods, Cheshire. A spot of light through trees formed a halo around the flower, captured with focus bracketing.
Wide Open by Martin Sheard
Sea-holly (Eryngium maritimum) at Holywell Bay, Cornwall. This plant stabilises coastal habitats and tolerates salt and wind, even when swamped by sand.
Top Down by Jeff Jones
Marsh thistle (Cirsium palustre) at St Albans, Hertfordshire. Its stems provide homes for hoverflies.
Princess Mountain Pansy by Gill Davidson
Field pansy (Viola arvensis) at Widdybank Fell, Upper Teesdale. Raindrops formed a tiara on the top petal, with bokeh created by shooting on the ground.
Chamomile and Barley by Amanda Dickson
Corn chamomile (Anthemis arvensis) at Auchmithie, Angus. Sunlight on crops caught the eye, with white flowers along the field edge.
Oasis by Alex Iftode
Sea bindweed (Calystegia soldanella) at Perran Sands, Cornwall. A bright pink flower between dunes brought beauty to golden sand. Young people category (ages 13-17) – highly commended, 2025.
Anthriscus sylvestris by Louise Collier
Cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) at Churchdown, Gloucester. Shot upwards to focus on frost-covered seed heads against an uncluttered background.
Wild in Purple by M Stanway
Purple heather (Calluna vulgaris) at Eden Project, Cornwall. This heathland plant fixes nitrogen and protects bees from parasitic infections. Young people category – winner, 2025.
Wildflower Patch by the Sea by Guillaume Valli
Wild carrots (Daucus carota), knapweed (Centaurea nigra), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), and wild angelica (Angelica sylvestris) at Seaford Head, Sussex. These habitats provide nectar for coastal pollinators and prevent beach erosion.
Bluebell Dawn on Dartmoor by Edyta Rice
English bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) at Emsworthy, Dartmoor. Swathes of bluebells surrounded a 1870s abandoned farm. Bluebells take 5-7 years to flower; the UK hosts 20% of the global population. Professional category – highly commended, 2025.
Misty Magic by Justin Minns
Wild garlic (Allium ursinum) at Chalkney Woods, Essex. The wet spring of 2024 created perfect conditions for wild garlic and misty mornings. Professional category – winner, 2025.
