The prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition will be coming to Dorchester this summer, showcasing the best photography globally.

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year is a world-renowned exhibition that brings together some of the most incredible images of our natural world.

On loan from The Natural History Museum in London, it is coming to Dorset Museum in Dorchester from July 21 to October 29, giving local residents and tourists to the county an opportunity to enjoy the exhibition away from the London crowds.

The exhibition features exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species, and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.

Using photography's unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, providing a global platform that showcases some of the best photography talent from around the world for over 55 years.

Launched back in 1965, today the competition receives entries from over 90 countries all over the world, highlighting its enduring appeal.

This year's award-winning images are embarking on an international tour that will allow them to be seen by well over a million people, with one of those stops being Dorset Museum.  

As well as showcasing the fantastic photographs, Dorset Museum has created an exciting events programme featuring family activities, talks, and a photography workshop for adults. Details of the programme will be published soon.

Dorset Museum will be offering schools the opportunity to take part in a workshop inspired by the Natural History Museum's Explore: Urban Nature project. This national initiatives looks to challenge students across the UK to help everyone better understand the nature around us. 

Dorset Museum's Get up Close to Nature workshops, aimed at Key Stage 2 pupils, look to introduce pupils to the museum's incredible collection during lively and engaging sessions. Pupils will also get an opportunity to explore the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition during their visit.  

During the workshops, aspiring scientists will get up close to Dorset Museum's incredible natural history collection and go away buzzing with knowledge and excitement about the natural world around them. 

Dr Doug Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, said: "Captured by some of the best photography talent from around the world, the 100 photographs encourage curiosity, connection and wonder.

"These inspiring images convey human impact on the natural world in a way that words cannot – from the urgency of declining biodiversity to the inspiring bounce back of a protected species."

Elizabeth Selby, interim director of Dorset Museum, commented: "We are really delighted to be bringing the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition to Dorset Museum this summer. It offers an opportunity to see the exhibition in a more intimate setting, away from the London crowds.

"These incredible photographs are not to be missed, and the exhibition offers something to inspire and delight visitors of all ages and interests. We can't wait to welcome people to the museum over the summer and early autumn months to see some of the best photography in the world."