PHOTOGRAPHERS have got just over a month left to enter their best photos to a popular annual photography contest.

Conservation charity Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, which runs the competition, is looking for photographs that put Worcestershire’s fabulous wildlife and wild places into the frame.

Winning photographs will feature in the trust’s 2016 calendar.

Wendy Carter, communications manager for the trust, said: “The competition is popular with photographers across Worcestershire. Last year we had more than 250 photos entered by over 50 photographers.

“We’re always impressed not just with the quality of the photos but also with the range of wildlife that people are seeing.

“What we’re noticing more and more each year is just how much wildlife people are seeing in their own gardens.

“Last year’s winners included two photos taken in gardens as well as many photos taken in local neighbourhoods.

“This just goes to show that we can all do something in our gardens to help wildlife and that it’s all around us if we only take the time to look.”

The competition is open to everyone but photographs must be taken in Worcestershire. The trust’s 2016 calendar will feature photographs that highlight the diversity of wildlife across the county, as well as the range of places that wildlife calls home.

Jason Curtis, of Far Forest, will again be joining staff in judging the entries. He won the coveted front cover of the calendar for two years running and has since become a semi-professional photographer.

Wendy Carter added: “We’re lucky enough to live in a fantastic county with beautiful countryside and some wonderful wildlife.

“Whilst our nature reserves provide stepping stones for wildlife to move through our countryside, most people enjoy watching wildlife in their gardens, towns and green spaces right on their doorstep.

“Wherever readers watch wildlife, we’d encourage them to keep a camera close to hand to make sure they can capture the action as it unfolds.

“Whether a bee or a beetle, a field of wildflowers or a hedgerow of blossom, a blue tit or a bittern, a wildlife-friendly garden or a sprawling living landscape, we’re looking for the inspiring and eye-catching species and wildlife places that reflect the wonder of our county’s natural world.”

The calendar is sold to raise funds for the trust’s conservation work across the county. It also offers an opportunity for photographers to have their work showcased across Worcestershire and further afield.

Twelve winning photographs will be featured as A4 images in the 2016 calendar, with one lucky photographer taking the prized front cover. Images are also considered for the trust’s range of greetings and Christmas cards that are sold to raise money for conservation work across the county.

The closing date is Friday, April 10, and entry forms can be downloaded from worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/photography-competition