Bold truth: the night sky above the South Downs just turned into a winning photograph, and the full set of winners spotlights how nocturnal magic comes to life. In addition to the overall top pick, Richard Murray earned praise for a stunning shot of a snail beneath The Plough asterism, which clinched the Life At Night category.
Hailing from Waterlooville in Hampshire, Murray described the creation as a test of patience and a touch of suspense. He waited for the precise moment when his tiny, mucus-powered subject lifted its antennae toward the star-studded heavens, and when the planets and timing finally aligned, he captured the image he had been hoping for.
Judge Elinor Newman—who also runs the Dark Skies Festival associated with the national park—summed up the winning photo: it perfectly illustrates life at night, featuring snail, flora, and lichen in a single frame. She praised its level of detail, its ability to transport viewers, and its inspirational quality.
If you’d like to explore the full roster of winners, you can visit the South Downs National Park Authority website for the complete list and accompanying images.
