New code of ethics for BWPA

We represent the best in British nature photography, and we feel it is essential that we also uphold the best practices for working with nature.

Whilst BWPA has always had competition rules that outlaw some malpractice in nature photography, we are going further and tightening these rules.

Photo: John Birch / BWPA 2019

The full competition rules can be read on our website, but here is a summary of our ethics rules going forward:

• Entrants must not injure, distress, or damage an animal for the purpose of photography;

  • This includes the practice of freezing insects for close-up macro photography.

• Entrants must not intentionally disturb or spook an animal to provoke a reaction;

  • For example, the use of a drone to cause animals to run.

• The use of tape lures or decoys to attract or elicit a behaviour from an animal is prohibited;

• Live baiting of wildlife is not permitted;

  • For example, kingfisher dive pools where live minnows are provided as bait.

• Animals in captivity are not permitted, except for as part of a conservation or journalism award;

  • Images from deer parks where animals are “semi-wild,” such as Richmond Park, are still permitted in the entire competition.

• Working closely at nest sites of birds and the roosts of bats is discouraged, and only permitted if the relevant licenses and evidence of lack of disturbance is provided;

• Flash photography of nocturnal birds at night is not permitted.

We believe that adherence to these rules will make for better, more rewarding wildlife photos. We look forward to seeing what you have to enter, and seeing the best of British nature photography!