RSPB Wildpix competition

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is looking for talented young wildlife photographers

The RSPB in Kent is looking for young photographers to enter its Wildpix competition.

This year the contest is also part of the British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA).

Don Fuller, RSPB south east youth officer said: “Kent has some wonderful countryside and coastline but even if you live in the city and have a park or river nearby you can see all sorts of wildlife. So we hope lost of youngsters will get snapping and send us their pictures of Kent.”

The competition is open to all young people across two age categories: under 12s and 12-18year olds.

Subject matter can cover anything from marine life and animal behaviour to creepy crawlies and urban wildlife.

The competition winners will get cash prizes - £300 in the under 12s category and £500 for 12-18s.

Their work will be displayed in the BWPA book and the winning shots will also appear in an exhibition that will tour UK galleries.

The bird charity says the awards are a celebration of nature and the importance of protecting it.

Entrants can send up to four images of any UK wildlife, but no photos of domestic pets, animals in cages or farm animals can be included.

The two lucky winners will also be invited to the BWPA award ceremony in London in September.

So if you have an eye for taking great pictures, can lie in wait patiently for wildlife to appear and can press the shutter just the right moment the charity is encouraging young people to get involved.

Mr Fuller added: “Photography is a great way to get kids interested in nature and wildlife. When you look at things through a lens it really focuses the eye and you see things in a totally different light.”

The awards are open from now until May 12.

To enter, upload your images directly to the BWPA websiteat: www.bwpawards.org/wildpix