A STRIKING image of a puffin on Skomer Island in west Wales has been hailed the winner of this year’s prestigious RSPCA Young Photographer Awards  – a year which saw the charity mark its historic 200th anniversary.

The winning entry was from Anwen Whitehead, 15, from Cnwch Coch in Aberystwyth, and announced at a ceremony at the Tower of London held today (Thursday 19 December) – a special and historic event which also celebrates the RSPCA’s milestone anniversary.

Every year, the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards invites young people aged 18 years and under to capture the animal kingdom on a camera or a mobile device. This supports the RSPCA’s mission of inspiring everyone to create a better world for every animal.

The judges praised the emotion and composition of Anwen’s Puffin photograph ‘Daydreaming in the Chamomiles’, marvelling at how tough it is to photograph puffins and remarking on the beautiful, diffused background.

Winner Anwen from West Wales said: “It’s very surreal and amazing to have won. I think this will really encourage me to keep going and push to make this a career. I was amazed at being shortlisted as a finalist so to win makes me determined to keep going and keep improving. I’ve won a few local competitions but nothing on this scale!”

Having only started taking photographs as a serious hobby last year, Anwen explained that the puffin photo which was snapped on a long anticipated visit to Pembrokeshire’s famous Skomer Island was one of her favourite photographs. 

Anwen explained that she can quite happily spend 10 hours in a bird hide, or out in a field in camouflage gear at sunrise to get the perfect photo.

She said: “That’s my happy place. It’s very relaxing to be out in nature and away from screens. It allows me to slow down a little bit. It can take a long time but it’s always worth it in the end and the buzz afterwards lasts all day or all week!

“I’ve always had a love of animals. We live in rural Wales so I’m surrounded by animals and nature. I think it’s really important to try and help protect nature through photography by showing both the magic and the fragility of nature to help make people realise how special nature really is. I see wildlife photography as a tool for conservation by helping to spread the word.”

Remarkably, a number of photos submitted by Anwen were recognised this year. As well as being overall winner, Anwen’s puffin photo also won the 12-15 category; while her red squirrel image ‘Sergeant Squirrel reporting for duty’ was commended in the same category. Another red squirrel image ‘Peckish’ was commended in the 12-15 mobile category and her swallows image placed runner-up in the City Life section. Finally, her ‘Puffin Paradise’ collection came runner-up in the Portfolio category meaning Anwen had a whopping seven images shortlisted in the final. 

All entries are judged entirely anonymously, and separately from one another, which makes Anwen’s multiple successes this year even more staggering.

To mark the charity’s 200th birthday, the RSPCA added two new categories – ‘Better World’ which imagines what a better world for animals looks like, and ‘City Life’ – which highlights how animals are all around us and shows how we can live harmoniously together.

Chris Packham, TV presenter, RSPCA President and supporter of the awards since its inception over 30 years ago, said: “As ever, this is a wonderful portfolio of work. This competition always attracts very strong entries and my special congratulations goes to all the winners and of course, especially, to the overall winner.”

Chris, who couldn’t attend the ceremony in person but recorded a special video message for the winners, added: “Photography is a great way of communicating your love for, your passion for, your fascination for, and your concern for animals. I think it’s really important that we use that as a tool at this particular time when a lot of animals are in trouble. Being able to use your imagination, creativity and ingenuity to come up with something personally unique and powerful is a very important tool.”

This year’s awards were judged by a panel of photography experts, including wildlife photographer Rachel Bigsby; former competition winner-turned-professional photographer Catriona Parfitt; professional wildlife photographer and photographic guide Ellie Rothnie; and RSPCA photographers Andrew Forsyth and Emma Jacobs. And for the first time this year – Fabian Rivers, known as the ‘Dready Vet’, an exotic animal and wildlife vet and RSPCA ambassador who appears on CBBC’s The Pets Factor.

Fabian said: “It’s a great honour to be involved in the inspiring RSPCA Young Photographer Awards this year. The calibre of entries has been staggering. Anwen’s puffin image is technically great, it’s sharp and evokes such lovely emotions. There’s a real story behind it and it was a clear winner for me.”

Other prize winners included last year’s talented overall winner Jamie Smart, aged nine, from Powys, Mid Wales, who won Pet Portraits with an image of her cat titled ‘Not Impressed’, and ‘Ready for Bed’ which features an owl won the Better World category, followed by her kingfisher image ‘City Fisher’ which won City Life. She also secured the top spot in the Under 12s category with ‘Rise of the Gannet’, and placed runner-up or commended with a further four images. 

Other winners included;

• Austin Lake, 13, from Devon, won Pet Personalities with his black and white photo of his cat, 
• Chris Wardell, 18, from Wiltshire, won Small World with his silhouetted spider, and the Portfolio category with a selection of back-lit fox photos,
• Arlo Rautenbach, age 10 from Cornwall, won the Under 12 category with his photo of a slow worm, 
• Nathaniel Gingell, age 14 from Hampshire, won the 12-15 mobile category with a photo of a group of dogs, 
• Daisy Pipe, age 16 from Dorset, won the 16-18 mobile category with her tomato wasp image,
• Anton Poon, 17, from Buckinghamshire, won the 16-18 category with an image of a robin

Sponsors of the competition are Natures Images (wildlife photography holidays) and Camtraptions (camera traps for wildlife photography). Winners in each category were awarded trophies and a selection of prizes at the Tower of London ceremony and as the Overall Winner, Anwen Whitehead received a weekend photography break with Natures Images. This fabulous prize- the Deer Rut Special – includes two nights’ accommodation for the winner and a parent/guardian. 

The RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2025 opens for entries on 6 May.

The full gallery of all the winning images can be viewed here.

A HOSPICE in St Davids is finding new ways to support the community after financial challenges forced changes to its operations. Shalom House, a well-loved facility on Nun Street, has shifted its focus in recent years, balancing healthcare provision with its founding mission.

Established in 2007, Shalom House was originally designed as a five-bed hospice offering respite and palliative care. Its creation was made possible by the donation of the property from Elizabeth de Guise, a novelist with a deep connection to Pembrokeshire. However, rising costs and funding shortfalls have led to significant changes in how the hospice operates.

In late October, the closure of St Davids Surgery prompted Shalom House to repurpose two of its rooms for use by a branch surgery. The facility is now home to a service staffed by practice nurses under Hywel Dda Health Board, ensuring local residents continue to have access to healthcare.

Balancing priorities

While the move has been welcomed by many in the area, it has come at a cost. Shalom House now operates with three respite beds instead of five, a change that has sparked concern among some supporters.

“We had to make a difficult decision,” a spokesperson for the hospice said. “Our primary goal is to serve the community, and this arrangement allows us to do so in multiple ways. The branch surgery provides vital medical care while helping us generate income to keep Shalom House open.”

The hospice continues to offer day-care services to several patients each week, with additional respite care provided as resources allow. Trustees are optimistic that full capacity can be restored in the future, depending on funding.

Community campaign brings hope

Despite the challenges, Shalom House has received overwhelming support from the Pembrokeshire community. A recent campaign, “Save Shalom,” has seen donations increase dramatically, offering a glimmer of hope for the hospice’s long-term future.

Local resident and campaign volunteer, Jenny Williams, said: “Shalom House means so much to so many people. It’s more than a building—it’s a lifeline for families across the county. We’re determined to do everything we can to keep it running.”

Looking ahead

The trustees are exploring new ways to raise funds and expand services, with plans to launch a series of community events next year. They have also expressed gratitude for the continued generosity of local residents, whose donations remain crucial.

“Shalom House has always been about Pembrokeshire’s people,” said the spokesperson. “Every penny donated helps us provide care and support to those who need it most. We’re confident that, with the community behind us, we can overcome these challenges.”

For more information about Shalom House or to make a donation, visit www.shalomstdavids.org.

RSPCA Cymru has welcomed strong public support for Welsh Government proposals to introduce licensing for animal welfare establishments (AWEs), such as sanctuaries, rehoming centres, and rescues.

A recent consultation revealed that 82% of respondents back regulation for AWEs, marking significant progress in a campaign led by RSPCA Cymru to ensure these establishments are formally overseen. This would provide vital assurances to the public and enhance animal welfare protections.

Currently, AWEs in Wales are not subject to specific regulations—unlike riding schools, dog breeders, and cat boarders. This means that anyone can establish a sanctuary or rescue centre without proving they have the skills, funds, or resources needed to properly care for animals.

The Welsh Government’s consultation, which included 1,180 responses and also examined the future of greyhound racing, revealed:

• 82.18% of respondents supported licensing for AWEs (735 responses).
• 74.52% supported licensing for animal activities (726 responses).
• 71.63% backed a licensing scheme to strengthen regulations for animal exhibits (719 responses).

The consultation findings, published today (Dec 18), highlighted the level of public support for regulation. However, it is important to note that over 40% of responses supporting a phased ban on greyhound racing were duplicates of the League Against Cruel Sports’ response, as clarified by the Welsh Government in its summary report.

GBGB’s perspective on regulation

The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), regulator for Wales’s only greyhound track, Valley Stadium, responded positively to the consultation findings. Mark Bird, GBGB’s Chief Executive, said:
“We welcome the consultation summary today, which shows very clearly the strength of support for effective and proportionate regulation in order to safeguard animal welfare – whether for commercial dog walkers and pet groomers or within greyhound racing.

“As regulator for Wales’s greyhound racing track, the Valley Stadium, we have been able to prove how robust licensing can transform welfare standards.”

GBGB emphasized that a significant portion of responses calling for a phased ban on greyhound racing stemmed from coordinated campaigns, with many duplicate submissions highlighted in the consultation summary.

Welfare claims challenged

GBGB also disputed claims made by groups such as Cut the Chase regarding poor living conditions, inadequate nutrition, and a lack of enrichment for racing greyhounds. GBGB stressed that the residential kennels of licensed greyhound trainers are inspected regularly by their regulatory staff and independent auditors, with any issues promptly addressed under their strict Rules of Racing.

Mark Bird added:
“Racing greyhounds benefit from far more protections and oversight than the pet dog population across Wales. Meanwhile, Valley Stadium’s licensing has brought jobs, growth, and welfare improvements, enjoyed by a strong core of local supporters.”

GBGB further clarified that, contrary to claims of increased greyhound deaths, only 105 greyhounds were put to sleep trackside in 2023, with the track fatality rate remaining steady at 0.03% since 2022—a 50% reduction since 2018.

RSPCA Cymru remains committed

RSPCA Cymru, while welcoming the findings, urged the Welsh Government to take legislative action promptly to address the ongoing challenges posed by unregulated AWEs. Their 2023 report highlighted widespread public and sectoral support for licensing and identified gaps in adherence to voluntary Codes of Practice.

Billie-Jade Thomas, RSPCA Cymru’s Senior Public Affairs Manager, said:
“While the voluntary Code of Practice was a step forward, it is clear too little notice has been paid to it. Without oversight, welfare issues can escalate, leaving owners overburdened and animals at risk. Regulations must ensure establishments are registered with local authorities and subjected to inspections.”

Further announcements on the future of greyhound racing and AWE licensing are expected in Spring 2025.

Supporters can learn more about the RSPCA’s #SaferSanctuaries campaign by visiting the charity’s website.