Urban red fox picture wins photographer top prize

Simon Withyman's photo of the fox was taken early one summer's morning

A photographer inspired by the lives of urban foxes has won best photograph at the British Wildlife Photography Awards.

Simon Withyman, from Bristol, has been taking photos of one particular fox, who he named Frankie, since she was a cub.

His image of the vixen on a bridge in Bristol city centre, beat more than 13,000 others to the 2025 prize.

He said it had been "a privilege to witness" Frankie's life, adding: "You can read about foxes in a textbook – this one continues to surprise me."

He has photographed Frankie with a litter of cubs who were still suckling.

"It's special when you get to see the cubs so small," Mr Withyman said.

"I also captured a play fight with her brother, and the moment she moved her cubs one by one across a road."

Mr Withyman took the winning photgrapho early one summer's morning, when Frankie walked into the shot he had been hoping to catch.

Simon Withyman takes most of his photographs in Bristol

The picture was taken on a pedestrian footbridge between a car park and a hotel in central Bristol.

"I get up at 4am, and it was a special moment when she came across," he said.

"I had tried to get the shot several times and failed, but you only need to be lucky once to get the picture."

Mr Withyman said he is inspired by nature and Bristol's graffiti

Mr Withyman said he couldn't believe he had won when the email arrived from the competition officials.

"I had to check with my partner if I read the email correctly," he said.

"Foxes are the interesting ones, they're the real stars here."