Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
Wiki Loves Earth 2026 in Scotland invites contributors to submit original photographs and videos of protected natural areas in Scotland. The competition runs from 1 May 2026 to 30 June 2026 and offers cash prizes for images that document Scotland’s landscapes, biodiversity, flora, fauna, national parks, and conservation areas.
Overview
Wiki Loves Earth 2026 in Scotland is part of the international Wiki Loves Earth initiative supported by Wikimedia UK.
The competition encourages people to upload freely licensed images and videos to Wikimedia Commons. These files can then be used to improve Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects.
Key Details
- Competition: Wiki Loves Earth 2026 in Scotland
- Location: Scotland, United Kingdom
- Submission period: 1 May 2026–30 June 2026
- Eligible entries: Original photographs and videos
- Subject: Protected natural areas in Scotland
- Platform: Wikimedia Commons
- License: Free license required
- First prize: £150
Focus Areas
The competition focuses on documenting Scotland’s protected natural environments.
Key themes include:
- Natural heritage
- Biodiversity
- Landscapes
- Flora and fauna
- National parks
- Conservation areas
- Wildlife habitats
- Open knowledge
- Wikimedia Commons photography
- Wikipedia visual content
Who is Eligible?
The competition is open to participants who submit their own original photographs or videos.
Participants must ensure that:
- The image or video was taken by them.
- The subject is a protected natural area in Scotland.
- The entry is uploaded during the official submission period.
- The file is released under a free license.
- Required information is provided during upload.
No nationality restrictions are stated. Participants may also enter multiple country contests where permitted.
What Can Be Submitted?
Eligible submissions may include:
- Protected landscapes in Scotland
- National parks
- Conservation areas
- Natural habitats
- Flora within protected sites
- Fauna within protected sites
- Close-up images of species found in protected areas
- Videos of protected natural areas
Prizes and Awards
Main awards include:
- First place: £150
- Second place: £100
- Third place: £50
Additional awards include:
- £50 for highly commended entries
- £50 for best photos from each UK region:
- England
- Northern Ireland
- Scotland
- Wales
How Entries Are Judged
Entries are assessed by a jury as part of a combined UK judging process.
Judging criteria include:
- Technical quality
- Sharpness
- Lighting
- Perspective
- Originality
- Relevance to protected natural areas
- Usefulness for Wikipedia
- Suitability for Wikimedia Commons
How to Participate
Step 1: Choose a Protected Natural Area
Select a protected natural site in Scotland, such as a national park, conservation area, or recognised natural landscape.
Step 2: Take Original Photos or Videos
Capture high-quality images or videos of the landscape, wildlife, plants, habitats, or natural features.
Step 3: Prepare Submission Details
Prepare the site name, subject description, and coordinates where possible.
Step 4: Upload to Wikimedia Commons
Upload entries to Wikimedia Commons between 1 May 2026 and 30 June 2026.
Step 5: Use a Free License
Release each file under an accepted free license so it can be reused on Wikimedia platforms.
Step 6: Review the Upload
Check that each file has the correct description, location details, category, and protected area information.
Why It Matters
Wiki Loves Earth 2026 in Scotland helps improve public access to visual knowledge about protected natural areas.
The competition matters because it:
- Documents Scotland’s biodiversity and landscapes.
- Promotes freely licensed environmental photography.
- Improves Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons content.
- Raises awareness of protected natural areas.
- Encourages public participation in open knowledge.
- Creates reusable visual records of natural heritage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Participants should avoid:
- Uploading images outside the submission period
- Submitting photos or videos they did not create
- Uploading content that does not show a protected natural area
- Forgetting to use a free license
- Providing unclear descriptions
- Omitting the site name
- Leaving out coordinates where available
- Uploading blurry or low-quality images
- Submitting images with limited value for Wikipedia
Tips for Strong Entries
Participants should:
- Use sharp, well-lit images.
- Show the protected area clearly.
- Include useful environmental context.
- Capture original perspectives.
- Add accurate site details.
- Include coordinates where possible.
- Focus on images that could improve Wikipedia articles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wiki Loves Earth 2026 in Scotland?
It is a photography and video competition that invites contributors to document protected natural areas in Scotland for Wikimedia Commons and Wikipedia.
When can entries be submitted?
Entries must be uploaded between 1 May 2026 and 30 June 2026.
What types of images are eligible?
Eligible images must show protected natural areas in Scotland, including landscapes, habitats, flora, fauna, conservation areas, and national parks.
Can international participants enter?
No nationality restrictions are stated, so participants may enter if they submit eligible original work and follow the rules.
What prizes are available?
The main prizes are £150, £100, and £50. Additional £50 awards are available for highly commended entries and regional winners.
Where should entries be uploaded?
Entries must be uploaded to Wikimedia Commons during the official submission period.
How are winners selected?
A jury selects winners based on technical quality, originality, subject relevance, and usefulness for Wikipedia.
Conclusion
Wiki Loves Earth 2026 in Scotland gives photographers, nature enthusiasts, and open knowledge contributors an opportunity to document Scotland’s protected natural areas. By submitting freely licensed images and videos, participants help improve Wikimedia Commons and Wikipedia while promoting Scotland’s biodiversity, landscapes, flora, fauna, and conservation sites.
For more information, visit Wikimedia Commons.
