STUNNING images of wildlife from across The South are among those featured in the highly-acclaimed British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) exhibition at Moors Valley Country Park near Ringwood early next year.

With 15 categories, including two for young people, the Awards showcase the very best of nature photography chosen from thousands of entries from across the country and raise awareness about biodiversity, British species and their habitats.

This year’s BWPA overall winning shot Hitchhikers was taken underwater off the Island of Hirta in Scotland and features what photographer George Stoyle describes as ‘one of the largest jellyfish I’ve ever encountered’. The amazing folds, frills and kaleidoscopic colours of this giant lion’s mane jellyfish already make the picture a winner, but it is the shoal of shimmering fish finding sanctuary amongst its tangle of stinging tentacles that make this unique picture really stand out.

Nearer to home, highly commended images include two from Paul Colley featuring the amazing underwater colours of Hampshire's freshwater fish on the River Test.

Visitors can also enjoy Jane Morgan’s close-up of a feathery, tentacled fan worm in Weymouth, Dorset whilst Wiltshire images include Mark Bridger’s Roe deer in a field furrow in Salisbury, and 14-year old Harry King’s image of a short eared owl taken at Wroughton’s Barbury Castle.

Wiltshire is also home to category winner Nick Upton, whose images detailing the monitoring and tracking of harvest mice won the documentary series award.

Moors Valley is the only location south of London to host the BWPA national touring exhibition which this year features over 100 striking images including grey seals, golden eagles, weasels and water voles.

Chris Packham, TV presenter and naturalist said: "The British Wildlife Photography Awards generates an incredible catalogue of splendid, exciting, imaginative and artistic images, proving beyond doubt that we have the richest palette of life to celebrate in our own backyard. Anyone passionate about protecting and preserving wildlife will be inspired by the British Wildlife Photography Awards, which has done more than any other award to raise the profile of British wildlife".

Moors Valley Communication Ranger, Katie Davies added: “With so many stunning photographs on show this exhibition is proof that you don’t have to travel far from home to capture some amazing images. Moors Valley is home to so many different animal species that whatever type of photography you are interested in, the park and forest can offer some great opportunities to try out your skills. Even in winter there are plenty of species around including visiting wildfowl like shovellers and teal, early morning species such as roe deer, and the usually shy and retiring water voles.”

The exhibition runs from January 14 to February 26. For details, visit moors-valley.co.uk or call 01425 470721.

The 2017 British Wildlife Photography Awards opens for entries in early February. Details can be found at www.bwpawards.org