Aspiring wildlife photographers and filmmakers at the University of Cumbria have pooled their talents to create a 2021 calendar. 

The University's Wildlife Society has selected 13 stunning images of nature for the calendar, showing a diversity of animal, bird, insect and plant life.

The collection features coastal birds such as the Sandpiper, forest and woodland’s Tawny Owls, the nocturnal badger and – shining a light on the importance of invertebrates – the role of bees and moths in pollination. 

Rachel Owen, secretary and treasurer of the university’s Wildlife Society and third-year wildlife media student, said: “This is our third calendar and it's one of our most important fundraising and enjoyable events of the year.

"It is always difficult choosing just 13 images from the competition entries submitted by students, graduates and wildlife enthusiasts."

Laura Baxter, BA (Hons) Wildlife Media course leader at University of Cumbria, said: "The number of submissions received was the highest ever and the quality of the images has been the best we have seen.

"It really reflects how an interest in wildlife and nature has helped many of us in a year challenged with coronavirus.

"So many people have found hope and joy in their daily walks, bringing us closer to nature and our environment.   

“We are so lucky to live and work in this biodiverse region, making it a fantastic place to study our wildlife media degree.”