Current submissions for the next competition are being evaluated, with winners set to be announced at the awards ceremony in October 2025.

Douglas Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, commended Wood's work for its insightful portrayal of the interaction between urban wildlife and human environments.

Badgers play a vital ecological role, controlling prey populations and creating habitats through their burrowing activities, which enhances biodiversity.

Wood has been an outspoken critic of badger culling in the UK, labeling it 'a national disgrace' and expressing a desire to exchange his award for the cancellation of all existing culling licenses.

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year continues to engage the public with nature, highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation through stunning photography.

Ian Wood has been awarded the 2024 Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award for his captivating photograph titled 'No Access', which features a Eurasian badger observing street art in St Leonards-on-Sea, England.

This striking image was chosen from a shortlist of 25 finalists, amidst a record-breaking 76,000 votes cast by the global public.

Wood's photograph was inspired by local residents who were leaving food for foxes, which inadvertently attracted badgers, leading him to set up a hide to capture the moment.

He emphasized the need to halt the culling to prevent further declines in badger populations, particularly in rural areas, as the cull has already significantly reduced their numbers.

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, established in 1965 and partnered with the Natural History Museum since 1984, aims to connect people with nature through impactful storytelling and photography.

The competition is open to both amateur and professional photographers and seeks to inspire advocates for the planet by showcasing remarkable stories from the natural world.

In addition to Wood's winning image, four other finalists were highly commended, including works by Francisco Negroni and Jess Findlay, and will be displayed online and at the Natural History Museum until June 29, 2025.