Countryfile Calendar competition 2021: finalists and how to vote
The Countryfile Calendar photographic competition for 2021 has now closed for entries and public voting is now open. Here is our guide to this year's competition, including and photography tips from the experts.
Entries are now closed for the 2021 Countryfile Calendar photographic competition and public voting is open. Full details on how to vote in the BBC Countryfile Calendar below.
Here is our guide to this year’s Countryfile Calendar competition, including the theme and photography tips.
We will be updating this page regularly with new information.
What is the theme of the Countryfile Calendar competition?
The theme for the 2021 Countryfile Calendar competition is ‘Bright and Beautiful’, and whether you’re in the countryside or the city, the judges want to see your interpretation of ‘Bright and Beautiful’ right from your doorstep.
This could be your interpretation of the beauty of the British countryside or a beautiful aspect of a creature that lives within it – or perhaps you captured the first signs of spring or summer wildlife in your garden or local park. As long as your photographs capture the essence of `Bright and Beautiful’ then you’re in with a chance.
More related content:
- Countryfile Calendar competition 2020: winner and finalists
- Countryfile Calendar 2019: competition winner and finalists
- Countryfile Calendar 2018: competition winner and finalists
- Countryfile Calendar Competition 2017: winner and finalists
What is the official charity for the Countryfile Calendar?
The best 12 will then make up the Countryfile Calendar for 2020, which will be sold in aid of the BBC Children in Need appeal.
The #countryfile photo competition is back! This year’s theme: ‘Bright & Beautiful’. 12 finalists will feature in the 2021 Countryfile Calendar sold in aid of BBC Children in Need. Open to all UK residents. For full T&Cs and to submit your entry visit https://t.co/kOyOwmwOQw pic.twitter.com/MNdakG0QJY
— BBC Countryfile (@BBCCountryfile) July 5, 2020
How is the winner chosen?
John Craven will be chairing the judging panel and is once again joined by Simon King the wildlife cameraman and Cerys Matthews the musician and broadcaster. Together they’ll choose their favourite 12 photographs before they let you decide which of them is the overall winner which will feature on the cover of the 2021 Countryfile calendar.
How to enter the Countryfile Calendar competition
Entries have now closed for the 2021 Countryfile Calendar.
The theme ‘Bright and Beautiful’ is open to the interpretation of the photographer. But entries should feature landscape photographs of the United Kingdom, or wild or farm animals, in a natural setting. Pictures of pets are not eligible for the competition – nor are zoo animals. Images of UK wildlife in captivity are also ineligible.
See the BBC Countryfile Calendar information
How to vote in the BBC Countryfile Calendar competition
The three Countryfile Calendar judges – John Craven, Cerys Matthews and Simon King have reviewed and chosen their 12 favourites. These dozen pictures will make up the Countryfile Calendar for 2021, which will be sold in aid of the BBC’s Children In Need Appeal. Last year, with your help, the calendar raised more than £2.4 million for the charity.
How to vote
You can vote for your favourite from the 12 finalists either by phone or online.
The full voting details can be found on the BBC Countryfile website
Here are the 12 BBC Countryfile Calendar 2021 finalists
Wilderness Wanderer by Harry Feather
‘I walk the line’ by Tom Broxup
‘Scent of Spring’ by Brian Stokoe
‘Nut-quaker’ by Lin Bingham
‘Lady in red’ by Iain Leadley
‘Sunset glow’ by Rachel Baker
‘Nectar Inspector’ by Steve McHale
‘Among the purple heather’ by Shane Stanbridge
‘Autumn rays’ by Richard Hooper
‘Call of the wild’ by Mervyn Chilton
‘Brock and stroll’ by Liam Hale
‘Winter wonderland’ by Jan Brown
Learn how to improve your photography skills
In our photography section, find advice from the experts on how to take better photos of wildlife and nature.
How to take beautiful photos of wildflowers
The first sight of emerging wildflowers is a joyful sign of spring and summer and makes a lovely photography subject.
Learn how to capture the delicate beauty of wildflowers on camera.
How to photograph garden birds
You don’t have to venture far to find wild birds to photograph – your back garden is a great place to start. Set up a bird feeder somewhere out of the reach of cats and give local birds a few weeks to get used to it, placing food out regularly. Alternatively, scope out nearby woodland or your local park for visiting birds – or even try taking photos from your window.
Our wild bird photography guide has advice on how to take good quality photos of your garden birds.
Best places to photograph wildlife in the UK
Fancy trying to capture the perfect wildlife shot on camera? From the Hebrides to Dorset, here is a selection of the best places for wildlife photography in Britain.
See our photography section for more advice and inspiration
Who won the BBC Countryfile Calendar 2020 competition?
The winner of the Countryfile Calendar for 2020 is Michelle Howell with her photo ‘An apple a day’. The winning photo was voted for by Countryfile viewers and takes pride of place on the front cover of the Countryfile calendar for 2020, sold in aid of the BBC Children in Need. The theme for the 2020 calendar competition was ‘Beauty and the Beasts’ and there were more than 42,000 entries.
The BBC Countryfile Calendar 2020 sold in aid of BBC Children in Need is no longer available for sale.
Mouse-whispering – another skill to add to John's CV! #countryfile @BBCCountryfile pic.twitter.com/8e3OYvQeVo
— BBC Countryfile (@BBCCountryfile) September 29, 2019
