The Wildlife Photography Awards 2026 winning photographs: Slime mould ‘work of art’ takes top spot

In association with Guyana: South America Undiscovered

Browse the incredible winning photographs from The Wildlife Photography Awards 2026

Venturing into the strange and seldom-seen world of mould and fungi, Jon Appleyard’s extraordinary image captivated the judges – the BBC Wildlife Magazine editorial team and independent wildlife photographer Andy Parkinson – earning unanimous praise and securing the title of overall winner in BBC Wildlife Magazine’s Wildlife Photography Awards 2026.

The slime mould close-up went through to the final judging stage after winning the plants and fungi category in the public vote.

Jon has won an extraordinary eight-night trip for one person to Guyana, worth US$4,624. A prize offering the chance for full immersion into the country’s extraordinary wildlife and wilderness.

Overall winner

Close up of a slime mould - a purple thorn-like structure with small pin-like protrusions — Extreme close-up of mould by Jon Appleyard

In his comments on the winning photograph, judge Andy Parkinson said: ‘This is a sensational, architectural image that reveals an unseen world. Capturing this shot would have involved intense fieldcraft and an intimate understanding of the local environment – the photographer would have had to be lying down on the forest floor. It also demonstrates exceptional technical ability – achieving this depth of field is only possible by focus-stacking multiple images, which requires real skill and dedication.

‘Slime moulds are incredible little organisms, yet we can crush them underfoot without even realising they exist. This image opens a window onto an extraordinary, miniature world that most of us will never see, and reminds us that life exists in many different forms. You cannot question any ethics here, nor ask if the photo was staged. All you can do is marvel at the expertise. It’s simply a work of art.’

The category winners

Entries in each category were whittled down to a shortlist of five by the judges, before going to a public vote.

Winning photograph: Portraits

Shoebill stares down its bill through the grass — Shoebill staring menacingly through tall grass by Jasper Maberly

Winning photograph: Behaviour

Barn owl shot from below hovering over a frame of long grasses — Owl from above by Simon Roberts

Winning photograph: Plants and fungi

Winning photograph: Camera phone

Cheeky young racoon on a tree trunk leans towards the camera — Young raccoon by Rebecca Macarthur

Winning photograph: Environment

Wide shot of a mountainous, snowy landscape with a distance hudldle of penguins creating a stripe on the landscape — Penguins navigate arctic terrain by Robert Brewer

BBC Wildlife champions ethical wildlife photography that prioritises the welfare of animals and the environment.

Did you miss our shortlist? You can still see all of the images that went to public vote here:

View the full shortlist

The prize: A trip to Guyana

Wide shot of tree-covered mountains with a river running through the middle — Rupununi, Guyana © Rene Koster

Nestled in the heart of South America, Guyana is a paradise for nature lovers, home to iconic wildlife including jaguars, capybaras, giant otters, giant anteaters and arapaima. The country also boasts more than 900 bird species, from the distinctive hoatzin to the majestic harpy eagle.

On this unforgettable prize holiday, courtesy of the Guyana Tourism Authority, the winner will experience Guyana’s wild beauty – from the breathtaking spectacle of Kaieteur Falls and rainforest hikes to river journeys and the treetop views of the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway. The trip also includes time to explore historic Georgetown and an evening birdwatching excursion along the Demerara River.

The overall prize is an eight-night trip for one person to Guyana, worth US $4,624. This includes return flights from London Heathrow Airport; all single occupancy accommodation throughout (Cara Lodge, Georgetown; Atta Rainforest Lodge, Iwokrama Rainforest; Surama Eco-lodge, Surama); meals as specified by the Tour Operator’s programme; airport transfers in Guyana; and all internal travel and excursions. The prize must be booked at least 30 days prior to departure and redeemed between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027.

The four other category winners will each receive a £50 voucher for Love2shop.

Terms and conditions

Promoter: Our Media Limited, a company registered in England and Wales (company number 05715415).

The overall prize is an eight-night package holiday for one winner to Guyana, South America. Includes return flights from London Heathrow airport, accommodation, and itinerary. Winner must hold a valid passport and have appropriate travel insurance. Prize excludes: Travel to and from London Heathrow airport, spending money, alcoholic drinks, travel insurance, visas, items of personal nature, ATOL/ABTA Protection. Specific travel dates are subject to availability at the time of booking.

For full terms and condition, see www.discoverwildlife.com/wildlifephotography-awards2026-terms-and-conditions