London, United Kingdom, 5 November 2026 – Canon UK & Ireland is marking another year of support for The Week Junior Science+Nature’s Scavenger Hunt Photo Contest, encouraging children across the UK to step outside, look more closely at nature and express their creativity through photography.
The contest combines a nature treasure hunt with a photography challenge, with young participants following a checklist of natural subjects before submitting an image inspired by the 2026 theme, ‘Focus on Nature’.
Canon Ambassador and professional wildlife photographer Ellie Rothnie continued her long-standing role on the judging panel selecting images that showed observation, creativity and an understanding of wildlife. Canon equipped the three top-placed entrants to take their photography further, awarding Canon EOS R50 and EOS R100 camera kits and SELPHY compact photo printers.
Neale Conroy, Marketing Director, Canon UK & Ireland, said: “Congratulations to the winners and everyone who took part. We’re proud to continue our partnership with The Week Junior Science+Nature encouraging children to pause, look more closely and discover the wildlife around them. Over the years, we’ve seen it spark curiosity and a real interest in nature photography, and we hope these young photographers will keep exploring and sharing the world as they see it.”
Dan Green, Editor of The Week Junior Science+Nature, said: “The Scavenger Hunt is an invitation for children to get outside, connect with nature and discover what photography can do. Canon’s enthusiasm, expertise and support have helped the competition grow year after year, giving young photographers the encouragement and equipment to take their skills further. The record-breaking number of entries we received this year reflects the growing enthusiasm children have for exploring and photographing the natural world.”
Ellie Rothnie, Canon Ambassador and Scavenger Hunt Photo Contest judge, said: “Young photographers often notice details that adults miss, and that came through brilliantly in this year’s entries. I’m delighted to share what I’ve learnt as a wildlife photographer and help them build confidence behind the camera. The best wildlife images start with patience, observation and respect for the subject, qualities these young photographers showed in abundance.”
Aneeshwar Kunchala, young conservationist and Scavenger Hunt Photo Contest judge, said: “Firstly congratulations to all the winners. This year, the photos were extra extraordinary, with incredible talent and patience from participants.”
With the winners now announced, the winning photographs can be viewed here. The celebration will continue beyond the screen, bringing the young photographers’ work to a wider audience in person with the images being exhibited at The Photography & Video Show in March 2027.