Northumberland explorer honoured for Hen Harrier conservation photography
A Northumberland Polar explorer and conservationist has won a major award in the world’s largest bird photography competition.
Conrad Dickinson has won the Conservation Award in the 2026 Bird Photographer of the Year competition for a series of six photographs telling the story of the Hen Harrier – the UK’s most persecuted bird of prey.
Conrad’s portfolio takes viewers behind the scenes of efforts to save the species, from monitoring young birds and fitting satellite to the birds in the wild and the continuing threats they face.
Conrad has also pledged to donate his £500 prize money to the Royal Society for Protection of Birds (RSPB) to support its conservation work for Hen Harriers.
The award marks another achievement for a man better known for expeditions in some of the most extreme environments on earth.
Conrad is the only Briton to have completed the ‘Polar Grand Slam’ through unsupported expeditions to Greenland, Antarctica and the Geographic North Pole.
A former British Army Arctic Warfare officer, he has also guided major expeditions, including Prince Harry’s successful Walking with the Wounded South Pole Challenge in 2013.
Now based back in his home county, Conrad is president of the Northumberland Wildlife Trust and manages his own land near Hexham for the benefit of wildlife.
He said: “I wanted to turn my lens on the plight of one of England’s most persecuted birds.
“On expeditions I always carried a camera with me and after resigning as a polar guide telling the plight of these birds and other threatened wildlife has become my focus.
“I’m delighted about the award but what’s even more important to me is the bird.
“It’s not about me the photographer, I’m pleased for the bird, that it’s getting the recognition and attention it deserves.”
Despite being legally protected, Hen Harriers continue to be illegally killed in connection with land managed for driven grouse shooting.
The RSPB works to monitor and protect the species.
Mark Thomas, RSPB Head of Investigations, said: “We’re delighted Conrad has chosen to shine a light on the story of England’s most threatened birds of prey.
“His striking images not only celebrate the beauty of Hen Harriers but expose the very real threat of illegal persecution they continue to face.
“Conrad’s support will help us continue that work and fight for a future where Hen Harriers can flourish in our uplands.”