THE acclaimed Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition is currently located in Basingstoke’s Willis Museum.

London’s Natural History Museum has toured this hugely popular exhibition since 1990, allowing people all over the world to see some of the best wildlife imagery in the world.

Celebrating 50 years, this year’s competition included new categories which inspired photographers to think differently about the way they tell stories and use new technologies.

The work on display includes an incredible image of a scorpion, which was taken by an eight-year-old from Spain, and which won the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

Basingstoke Gazette:

It’s in the same area as the overall winner of the 2015 competition, American snapper Michael ‘Nick’ Nichols’ The Last Great Shot which was taken using an infa-red camera and features a pride of lions.

There is so much to interest the eye in every corner of the gallery space and so much information to digest which touches on issues such as conservation and pollution.

Look out for The Longline Lottery, a poignant image of a dead great white shark which was snared by a buoy, and the wonderful You Have Been Warned by UK photographer Alex Mustard, which features an amazingly coloured predatory mollusc.

*Wildlife Photographer of the Year is co-owned by the Natural History Museum and BBC Worldwide. The exhibition runs in the Willis Museum until October 31.

Related events in the museum

You Can Draw! September 22 – December 1

Be inspired by the Wildlife Photography Exhibition and improve your drawing skills over this 10 week course which is suitable for all stages of artist. For times, cost and further details, call 01256 465902.

October 21: Talk with Andrew Forsyth, a finalist in the 2014 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition

Andrew reveals the story behind his winning image Murmuration in the Storm, giving you an insight into the hard work and dedication required to reach the highest level of nature photography. 7pm - 8.30pm. £5 per person.

Booking in advance is recommended. Call 1256 465902 to find out more.

October 9 – December 4: Still Life and Nature Study Photography Course

Participants will photograph subject matter from the Willis Museum Collection. This will be a good opportunity to get to grips with digital camera controls, functions, lighting, and composition. Students will need to bring their own cameras to fully benefit from the course. For times, cost and further details, call 01256 465902.

October 29: Animal Encounters

Ever wanted to meet a meerkat? Touch a tarantula? Stroke a snake? Get up-close, learn about and interact with a variety of amazing animals from expert handlers in this incredible 45 minute session suitable for children aged five and over. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are £5 each. Six available sessions: 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Find out more by calling 01256 465902.

October 30, 10.30am until 12.30pm: Sun prints family workshop

Learn how to create photographic images without the need for a camera. Compose fun and interesting prints exposing found objects and images onto photo sensitive paper. Take your prints home and show off your new found photography skills. Suitable for children aged six plus - children must be accompanied by an adult. £7 per child, adult goes free.

Full information is also online at hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk/willis-museum.