A primary school teacher from London has described the “surreal” feeling of having her photograph of a smiling seal featured on the front cover of the 2025 BBC Countryfile calendar.
Ursula Armstrong, 36, from Upminster, captured the winning image during a visit to Horsey beach in Norfolk, where thousands of seals gather each year to give birth to their pups.
Armstrong’s photograph, titled Seal of Approval, was chosen by public vote from a pool of about 22,000 entries submitted to the competition.
The captivating image of the content seal rolling in the sand was praised for its charm and uniqueness, winning over voters and judges alike.
Speaking to the BBC about the honour, Armstrong said she was initially drawn to the seal because of its playful demeanor and endearing expression.
“He was there in the middle of the seal colony with grey and common seals, and he really caught my eye,” she recalled. “He was rolling around in the sand, just being really engaging and lovely.”
Armstrong, an amateur photographer who took up the hobby during the COVID-19 lockdown, used a long camera lens to capture the image. She explained that she wanted to avoid disturbing the seals in their natural habitat.
“I’ve always had a love for wildlife, and I wanted to make sure the seal colony was left undisturbed. That’s why I kept my distance and relied on the long lens.”
The winning image not only graces the cover of the Countryfile calendar, but will also appear in the November section.
Armstrong expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I’m so honoured that mine was selected because there were so many incredible photos from some really experienced people. I still can’t quite believe it.”
Horsey beach, where Armstrong took the winning photograph, is known as one of the UK’s most significant seal breeding grounds.
Every year, visitors flock to the area to witness the birth of seal pups along the coastline, with the seals often providing opportunities for wildlife photographers.
The BBC Countryfile calendar competition is an annual event that raises funds for BBC Children in Need.
Last year, the calendar raised more than £2.3 million for the charity, with sales of the calendar going towards supporting disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.
Armstrong’s Seal of Approval adds to the long list of remarkable wildlife photography that has been featured in the calendar over the years, but the smiling seal’s heartwarming expression has captured the imagination of many, earning it a special place in this year’s edition.
For Armstrong, the win is particularly meaningful, as she continues to explore her passion for photography. “It’s such a privilege to be able to share this moment with so many people,” she said. “To have it feature in such a respected competition is truly amazing.”
With her photograph now adorning the front cover, Armstrong’s seal has secured its place as a symbol of the charm and beauty of Britain’s wildlife, while also contributing to a worthy cause.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
