DEVIZES photographer Stephen Davis knows better than most that the early bird catches the worm when it comes to natural history photography and now he has a prize to prove it.

Mr Davis, 55, who is head of conservation for Wiltshire Wildlife Trust captured a stunning image of a bluebell wood shrouded in mist to take third place in an international contest.

His picture was awarded third place in the Trees, Woods and Forests category of the International Garden Photographer Of The Year 2017 for his picture taken just over the Wiltshire border at the National Trust owned Badbury Clump in Oxfordshire.

He said: "I was there very early to catch the sunrise but just as the sun was coming up the mist came in and obscured the sun but it made the shot very atmospheric.

"This picture was taken in Oxfordshire but I love the Wiltshire countryside particularly in the Pewsey Vale and places like West Woods near Marlborough, Savernake Forest and Avebury."

He classes himself as an amateur photographer but says he is serious about his hobby and spends a lot of time trying to capture exactly the right shot.

Mr Davis, who is married with two teenage children, said he is often up very early. He said: "My family are usually still in bed when I am out taking pictures and I often think I should title a piece 'while you were sleeping' which I think sums it up. They are not really interested in photography but they were very pleased I had done well in the competition."

He attended an award ceremony at Kew Gardens along with winners and runners up from different categories.

He said: "It is nice to have your work recognised so I do enter a few competitions but mainly I take pictures for pleasure.

"I am a landscape and natural history photographer and living in Devizes means I am within striking distance of a great diversity of natural habitats and ancient landscapes such as the Pewsey Downs, Avebury stone circle and Silbury Hill.

"I have been a naturalist all my life, with a particular passion for butterflies, and work professionally as an ecologist. Photography is the perfect complement to my natural history instincts and I am never happier than when I am exploring a meadow or woodland with camera in hand.

"My photographic interests include the landscapes, wildflowers, trees and natural habitats within the Marlborough Downs and Pewsey Vale. The importance of the right light falling on the subject is as true upon the wings of a butterfly as it is upon a landscape, tree or meadow. My inspiration and motivation is to share and communicate the beauty, importance and vulnerability of the natural world."

Mr Davis sells greeting cards made from his photographs at Bluestone Gallery, Devizes, and also has a website so people can buy prints.