The Eden Project’s National Wildflower Centre is set to launch the prestigious Wildflower Photographer of the Year 2026 competition on 29 May. This contest celebrates the breathtaking diversity of over 1,600 wildflower species found across Britain and Ireland, showcasing nature’s vibrant palette through the lens of expert and amateur photographers alike.
Scabious with hoverfly by Michelle Jackson Field scabious ( Knautia arvensis ), Gallaber Park, Yorkshire Dales. Share
Experience Stunning Wildflower Images at Eden Dock, Canary Wharf
As part of the excitement, a curated selection of captivating photographs from last year’s competition will be exhibited at Eden Dock, Canary Wharf, London. This special display will coincide with the Commonwealth Games’ Nature Week, running from 13 July, offering city visitors a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Britain and Ireland’s wild flora.
Top down by Jeff Jones Marsh thistle ( Cirsium palustre ), St Albans, Hertfordshire. Important for pollinators and popular with small birds, but its not just the flowers that are good for wildlife; the upright stems form great homes for hoverflies. ShareWild flowers
Discover the Wildflower Wonders Captured by Talented Photographers
The competition highlights the intricate details and vibrant colors of native wildflowers, each image telling a unique story of resilience and beauty. From the delicate, toxic charm of the foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), which has medicinal value despite its poisonous reputation, to the drought- and salt-tolerant sea thrift (Armeria maritima) adorning coastal paths, these photographs reveal nature’s adaptability.
Princess Mountain Pansy by Gill Davidson Field pansy ( Viola arvensis ), Widdybank Fell, Upper Teesdale. ‘The raindrops formed what looked like a tiara on the top petal. As it’s a dainty flower I was on the ground so the rain created bokeh in the background and drops on the blades of grass.’ Photograph: Gill Davidson ShareSingular foxglove by Reece Gibbins Foxglove ( digitalis purpurea ), Colstoun, East Lothian. A native foxglove stands out among the non-native fennel. Feared for its poisonous nature, the humble foxglove is widely used to treat heart failure. It’s thought that the name has nothing to do with foxes but is actually a corruption of ‘folk’s glove’, a reference to the fairy folk. ShareIn the pinks by Emma Eccles Sea thrift ( Armeria maritim a), Trebarwith Strand, Cornwall. Back-lit sea thrift in full bloom flanks the South West Coast Path as the sun goes down. An iron fist in a velvet glove, this plant looks dainty with its pink pom poms, but it’s extremely drought- and salt-tolerant. Come spring, long clumps of thrift add a textural trim to the Cornish coastal path. Amateur category – highly commended, 2025 Share
Other featured species include the elusive heath spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza maculata), captured with a soft-focus background to emphasize its subtle elegance, and the marsh thistle (Cirsium palustre), essential for pollinators and small birds alike.
Chamomile and Barley by Amanda Dickson Corn chamomile ( Anthemis arvensis ), Auchmithie, Angus. ‘Out for a coastal walk, the sunlight on the crops caught my eye first then I spotted the pretty white flowers along the edge of the field.’ ShareHeath spotted–orchid by Patrick O’Brien Heath spotted–orchid ( Dactylorhiza maculata ), near Dorchester, Dorset. Often lost in background foliage, this photo of heath spotted-orchids was taken with a long lens to blur the background to a haze and bring out the beauty of the flower. ShareA moment of pause by Jess Shaw Marsh Marsh thistle ( Cirsium palustre ), Grass Woods Nature Reserve, Grassington, North Yorkshire. Important for pollinators and popular with small birds, but its not just the flowers that are good for wildlife – the upright stems form great homes for hoverflies. Share
Photographers also highlight the wild charm of the dog rose (Rosa canina), with its delicate stamens and soft pink petals, and the magical glow of common poppies (Papaver rhoeas) bathed in dawn light, capturing nature’s ephemeral moments.
Dog rose by Justin Minns Dog rose ( Rosa canina ), Sproughton, Suffolk. ‘A wild rose sprawls through our hedge and I love photographing the details of the flowers … the delicate stamen highlighted against the soft pinks of the petals.’ ShareCool light on the poppies by Damien Walmsley Common poppy ( Papaver rhoeas ), Kinver, Staffordshire. ‘The poppies were behind a fence and my telephoto lens provided a good view of the wildflowers. This was before sunrise and the poppies took on a magical look in the cool, dawn light.’ Amateur category – winner, 2025 Share
Wildflowers: More Than Meets the Eye
Often overlooked, plants like the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) play crucial ecological roles, providing food for bees and enriching the soil. The wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa) showcases nature’s artistry through light and shadow, while the resilient sea-holly (Eryngium maritimum) stabilizes shifting coastal habitats despite harsh conditions.
Make a wish by Emma Kenworthy Common dandelion ( Taraxacum officinale ), Cinderford, Gloucestershire. A simple dandelion. Often classed as a weed but it holds so much importance in the natural world. It provides food for bees, heals soil and is one of the best survivors in the plant world. ShareWood anemone by Tony North Wood anemone ( Anemone nemorosa ), Styal Woods, Cheshire. ‘This is a wood anemone, photographed with trees behind. I positioned myself so a spot of light coming though a gap in the trees formed a halo round the flower. I focus bracketed it for sharpness.’ ShareWide Open by Martin Sheard Sea-holly ( Eryngium maritimum ), Holywell Bay, Cornwall. This plant is hardworking in tough environments, providing nectar and stabilising shifting coastal habitats. Salt- and wind-tolerant, they can survive even if they get swamped by sand. Share
These wildflower habitats are biodiversity hotspots, sheltering dozens of species like wild carrot (Daucus carota), knapweed (Centaurea nigra), and yarrow (Achillea millefolium), which support pollinators and help prevent coastal erosion.
Inspiring Young Photographers and Enthusiasts
The competition also honors young talent, featuring stunning images such as sea bindweed (Calystegia soldanella) flourishing between dunes and vibrant purple heather (Calluna vulgaris) that supports bee health by warding off parasites.
Oasis by Alex Iftode Sea bindweed (Calystegia soldanella) , Perran Sands, Cornwall. ‘On the quiet sandy beach near the holiday park, I found a bright pink flower blooming between the dunes. Its soft purple petals and green leaves looked like a secret treasure, bringing beauty and life to all the golden sand.’ Young people category (ages 13-17) – highly commended, 2025 Share
Whether a seasoned professional or a nature lover with a camera, the Wildflower Photographer of the Year competition invites everyone to celebrate the extraordinary beauty and ecological importance of Britain and Ireland’s wildflowers.
