Coastal wildlife winner - Karen Markham

Karen's artwork perfectly captures one of our most iconic coastal wading birds, the oystercatcher. Oystercatchers are synonymous with the sights and sounds of the seaside with their loud distinctive 'peep-ing' calls and eye-catching features.

Karen said: "I work as a teaching assistant in a primary school alongside being a wildlife artist. I live in the North West of England, and nature reserves, such as Brockholes, form an integral part of what makes me tick. After being bought a pair of binoculars when I was 12, birds have always been my go-to, and although I now draw lots of mammals as well, I will always make time for my feathered friends."

Urban wildlife winner - Irena Przybyl

This beautiful photo of a dainty mouse deadheading the geums in Irena's garden took home first prize in the urban wildlife category. From the fine whiskers to the tiny toes, Irena's photo of this charismatic little creature in action is truly captivating. 

Irena said: "Wildlife features in many aspects of my life, whether walking or wild camping in order to watch, learn, and document what I see.

Keen to create a place for urban wildlife to visit and thrive at home, Geums were planted that bees visit to harvest the pollen, and then to our delight, a field mouse came to collect seed heads to, we assume, feed her pups. She had to be photographed, and hundreds of entertaining shots later, ‘Our gardener, deadheading the Geums’ was captured.

Through photography and printmaking, wildlife and nature are regular subjects that contribute to raising awareness, such as the re-introduction of otters to their natural habitat, the beauty of starling murmurations at Brockholes, and what can be seen in urban habitats.

On seeing the invitation to contribute to the 60th Anniversary Art Exhibition of The Lancashire Wildlife Trust, I immediately thought of ‘our mouse’. Visiting the exhibition demonstrated the example that the trust is creating to encourage everyone, but especially young children, to engage with and learn about wildlife. I am delighted to win the ‘Urban Wildlife’ category."

Wild scenery winner - Carolyn Dutton

Carolyn's artwork evokes a deep sense of calm, if you look close enough you can almost hear the birds on the breeze and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. Her use of colours and textures brings life to this familiar and wild landscape.

Wildlife on nature reserves winner - Ann Fearon

Ann's cheeky red squirrel with its soft auburn fur and a twinkle in its eye is both completely captivating and adorable with a warm, autumnal feel.

Ann said: "Brockholes is a wonderful place to escape and relax from our busy lives.  The wildlife exhibition was an excellent way to celebrate its 60th anniversary.  My granddaughter was very inspired by all the submissions and hopes she can contribute next year."

Our native red squirrels are sadly endangered, here at the Lancashire Wildlife Trust we are working hard to turn this around and it is our aim that red squirrels will once again become a popular sight throughout North Merseyside, West Lancashire, and beyond.