Now in its third year, the British Wildlife Photography Awards were created "to celebrate the talents of both amateur and professional photographers," who were invited to enter in 10 categories.

This year, Richard Shucksmith won the overall title for his image of a jellyfish taken at Sula Sgeir, a small uninhabited Scottish island. "The inhospitable area is home to exposed islands sustaining an astounding variety of marine life. The remoteness of these islands, as well as the challenge that comes with visiting them, makes Richard's incredible photo all the more special," say the organisers.

Shucksmith wins a £5000 cash prize and will be part of a touring exhibition, alongside 70 other photographers. His winning image has also been featured in the British Wildlife Photography Awards photobook, which is on sale now.

"We are delighted to see how many people from around the UK were inspired by the competition to explore nature in their local area," says competition judge Paul Wilkinson, head of Living Landscape for The Wildlife Trusts. "This year's entries reflected a real passion, and affection, for local wildlife. This competition is a special opportunity to give the natural world that surrounds us the recognition, and reverence, it deserves."

For more information, visit www.bwpawards.org.

Grey Heron Walking on Water © Andrew Parkinson, winner in the Animal Behaviour category, British Wildlife Photography Awards 2011.

Mystical Mist, Fallow Deer. Image © Mark Smith, winner of the Animal Portrait category, British Wildlife Photography Awards 2011.

Hare in Morning Light with Hoar Frost. Image © Ian Paul Haskell, winner in the Habitat category, British Wildlife Photography Awards 2011.