I think this is my tenth WPotY. I’ve only missed one exhibition in the past decade. Judging by the throng at the press preview today, I’m not alone in finding this one of the must-see events in the museum calendar.

Over 100 photos of the natural world, from sharks to cacti, line the walls, with awards given in 18 catagories. A stunning site greets you around every corner. If you examine every snap and read every label you’ll get wonder fatigue.

The shots range from the super-cute (check out the big-eyed tarsier) to the super-cruel (see the shark weep tears of blood as its fin is sawn from its body). This year’s main winner is this snap by Hungarian Bence Máté, who captures the frenetic world of the leaf-cutter ant in the Costa Rican rainforests.

The young wildlife photographer award went to Fergus Gill of Scotland for his snap of a fieldfare in winter.

Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year runs at the Natural History Museum from 22 October to 11 March. Full adult charge £8, and worth every penny.