2026 East Kent Coast Photographic Competition

Bird Wise East Kent and Thanet Coast Project have teamed up to host the East Kent Coast photographic competition for 2026 to celebrate our coastal environment and wildlife!  Contribute your images and help raise awareness about the importance of our coastal environment and the incredible biodiversity that thrives here.  Everyone is welcome!

The East Kent Coast photographic competition:

Two winners from each category will get their photos featured in our 2026 local photography exhibitions. We’ll showcase the best shots of our beautiful coastline and wildlife. There’ll also be an overall winner for both adults and juniors.

Here are the five adult categories and one for under 18s – followed by the terms and conditions.

Adult Categories:

Coastal Landscape 

• • Showing a coastscape image taken from a stretch of coastline around North East Kent from Whitstable to Pegwell and Sandwich Bay.

Coastal Wildlife

• • A portrayal of any species living on the coast – from the beauty of our hidden rockpooling life to elusive sea mammals.

Daring Dozen 

• • Any photo that features our magnificent overwintering birds (Curlew, Lapwing, Turnstone, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Sanderling, Oystercatcher, Brent Goose, Purple Sandpiper, Redshank, or Dunlin)

Human Impact on the Environment: The Good and the Bad 

• • Showing any negative consequences of human activity on an area or species, or the positive actions taken by the public to help protect the area or species.

Savvy Sea Dogs 

• • Showing a dog owner and/or their savvy sea dog demonstrating good coastal conduct and following the Doggy Do’s guidance.

Under 18s

• Featuring images based on any of the adult categories.

Terms and Conditions:

• Images have to be taken in the coastal area between Whitstable and Pegwell Bay.
• Submissions must be given with complete answers to all submissions questions.
• One participant can only enter into 2 categories at most with 2 submissions.
• Anyone that is found to be fabricating or causing any disturbance/ harm to any wildlife/ environmental damage for their images will not be considered.
• Participants must follow any restrictions of the coastal area and wildlife (such as drone legislation and no-go areas) and follow the coastal codes.
• By sending your images you are agreeing for these images to be used in the exhibition, publicity, and advertising without any compensation or refund of images.
• Any image you submit must be your own original work.
• Anyone 18 and above can submit within the adult categories, but for under 18s please specify the age of the participant.

Participants can enter a maximum of 2 images, these can be for the same or different categories and the deadline is at midnight on Sunday 15 February 2026.  

GOOD LUCK!!  🙂         SUBMISSIONS can be made directly online