Take a look at some of the entries already received... click here

PICTURE the scene – a herd of New Forest ponies trotting through fields of heather as the glorious winter sunshine beats down.

It is a classic image of Hampshire – and it could be a winning picture in the Daily Echo’s new wildlife photography competition, launched today. But do you think you have what it takes to win?

We are looking for the best snaps of Hampshire’s wildlife taken by Daily Echo readers – the kind of photos that really sum up the county’s rich and diverse animal inhabitants. These could include snaps of wild or farm animals, as long as the animals are not domestic pets or in a zoo.

The competition will run until March 31 and there are some fantastic prizes up for grabs – so start sending in your pictures now. Take for example, this great shot two goslings, hatched at Beaulieu’s Out of Town Centre pictured right with their proud parents, aunts and uncles. The competition is split into two sections – a junior category for under 18s and an adult category for over-18s. You do not have to be a professional – anyone can enter our competition, from first time snappers to seasoned photographers.

Photos should be e-mailed to wildlife@dailyecho.co.uk or posted to Wildlife Photo Competition, Picture Desk, Southern Daily Echo, Newspaper House, Test Lane, Redbridge, Southampton, SO16 9JX.

Posted entries cannot be returned.

Pick up a copy of the Daily Echo for an entry form and more details.

By entering the competition you allow the Southern Daily Echo to reproduce the picture free of charge in the Southern Daily Echo’s publications and website.