The world-renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, featuring 100 spectacular new images, returns to Bristol’s M Shed this Saturday, October 21. 
The most prestigious event of its kind, it has provided a global platform to showcase the natural world’s most astonishing and challenging sights for more than 50 years. As part of its world tour, the 2017 exhibition will remain on display at M Shed for six months.
From frozen wastelands and peculiar species, to tropical paradises and fascinating animal behaviour, this year’s selection is a call to action – a plea to band together and protect our fragile planet.
The competition receives nearly 50,000 entries from 92 countries and the winning images are selected for their creativity, originality and technical excellence.
Bristol City Council head of culture Laura Pye said: “Wildlife Photographer of the Year has become a staple of Bristol’s winter calendar.
“I am never disappointed with the calibre of images and how the photographers are able to capture such beautiful moments while communicating powerful messages of environmentalism and animal welfare.” 
Natural History Museum director Sir Michael Dixon added: “Wildlife Photographer of the Year is one of our most successful touring exhibitions, enjoyed by millions of people all over the world.
“The awarded images shine a spotlight on nature photography as a work of art, whilst raising questions about our crucial role in shaping a sustainable future.”
Developed and produced by the Natural History Museum in London, the exhibition at M Shed is sponsored by Bristol firms Pukka Herbs and Resource Solutions Group (RSG).
Pukka Herbs marketing director Fox said: “Pukka’s mission is to connect people around the world with the power of plants so our sponsorship of Wildlife Photographer of the Year is a natural fit. 
“We support the protection of habitats and livelihoods by certifying all our teas ‘Fair for Life’ and many as ‘FairWild’. Supporting M Shed is a brilliant way of bringing the wonders of the natural world to as many people as possible. We hope people enjoy it and take the opportunity to try one of our incredible organic teas when they visit.”
RSG CEO Mike Beesley added: “RSG have been proud supporters and sponsors of Wildlife Photographer of the Year for three consecutive years and are thrilled to be involved again.
“Each year the show brings together people of all ages from across Bristol and contributes massively to the arts and culture movement within the city. 
“We are always pleased to be part of something so beneficial to Bristol and the wider community and as such we encourage everyone to visit the exhibition and enjoy all it has to offer.”
A range of events will accompany the exhibition, including a gallery tour by competition judge Roz Kidman Cox. Entries for next year’s competition open on Monday, October 23, at wildlifephotographeroftheyear.com. The competition is open to photographers of all ages and abilities.
Exhibition information
October 21, 2017 to April 8, 2018 
Tuesday – Sunday: 10am–5pm. Closed Mondays (except during school holidays and bank holidays).
Tickets
£6 adult* | £5 concession* | Under 16s Free
*Includes £1 voluntary donation to Bristol Museums Development Trust (BMDT).
Pictured, from top: Arctic treasure by Sergey Gorshkov, Resplendent delivery by Tyohar Kastiel, Saved but caged by Steve Winter, The insiders by Qing Lin and Bold eagle by Klaus Nigge
