As the calendar approaches 2026, residents across the West Midlands are taking time to look back on the year that was. BBC News once again reached out to several talented local photographers who regularly contribute their work to BBC Weather Watchers and various Instagram accounts. These visual storytellers, who document life across Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry, Warwickshire, Hereford and Worcester, Shropshire, and Stoke-on-Trent, were asked to select their single favorite photograph from 2025. Their collective responses offer a vivid mosaic of the region's natural beauty, historic landmarks, and quiet personal moments. More than 105,000 people follow BBC Birmingham's accounts, creating a substantial audience for these regional perspectives.
For Luke Bennett from Balsall Common, his standout moment came when he captured a roe deer mid-leap against the backdrop of the English countryside. The United Kingdom is home to six species of deer, though only the roe and red deer are considered truly native to the region. Bennett described how he had missed an earlier opportunity for a similar shot just an hour before, which made this successful capture even more rewarding. The low evening sun provided perfect illumination, casting warm light on the animal in motion. He emphasized how these encounters with wildlife offer a peaceful escape from the hectic pace of modern life, allowing him to reconnect with nature's simple wonders.
Damien Walmsley, a photographer based in Knowle, selected his image of Chesterton Windmill in Warwickshire as his favorite of the year. This historic structure has stood atop its hill for nearly four centuries, but its distinctive sails were removed in 2021 after inspectors discovered dangerous cracks in the wood. Walmsley's photograph documents the moment when conservation teams completed the five-day installation process in March, returning the windmill to its full historic appearance. The restoration represents a significant cultural victory for the local community, which had waited several years to see the landmark complete again. His image captures both the architectural grandeur and the emotional significance of this long-awaited restoration.
Mark Pemberton from Coventry chose a deeply personal photograph taken at Coventry Canal Basin in January, shortly after losing his father in December. The image shows figures and statues reflected in the frozen water on an icy cold evening, creating what Pemberton describes as an almost impressionist aesthetic. The frozen canal surface acted like a natural mirror, distorting the reflections in a way that made the scene feel both real and dreamlike. For Pemberton, the timing of the shot coincided with his own period of grief and reflection, adding layers of meaning to the visual composition. The canal itself dates back to 1768 when engineer James Brindley designed it, with construction beginning in Longford and reaching the basin by 1769.
Other photographers shared equally compelling stories from their corners of the West Midlands. Alison Matthews from Sutton Coldfield captured a stunning skyscape over Powell's Pool in Sutton Park on a cold March evening, describing how the calm conditions allowed her to quietly contemplate the universe during the sunset display. Lynne Falconer from Bransford documented the Worcester Bridges of Light Festival in late October, creating her first night photograph with an iPhone that earned an Editor's Pick from BBC Weather Watchers. Serena Gough photographed a misty morning scene near Gnosall, Staffordshire, where gentle sunrise colors painted the landscape in gold and orange hues. Peter Steggles from Rushbury simply stepped outside his door in spring to capture his cherry tree in full blossom after months of wet weather, celebrating nature's spontaneous gifts.
These photographs collectively demonstrate the rich diversity of life and landscape across the West Midlands region. From the industrial heritage visible in Birmingham's distant skyline to the serene natural habitats that provide refuge from urban life, each image tells part of a larger story. The photographers themselves form a dedicated community of observers who find meaning in documenting their everyday surroundings. As they look toward 2026, these visual artists continue to remind us that extraordinary moments often hide in plain sight, waiting for someone to pause and capture them. Their work not only preserves memories but also strengthens community identity and appreciation for the region's unique character.
