We asked our readers to send in their best pictures on the theme "new beginnings". Here are some of the pictures we received from around the world.
Craig Hannah
Craig Hannah: "First signs of life three weeks after the huge fire on Saddleworth Moor in July 2018."
Iwona Marciszewska
Iwona Marciszewska: "Enjoying the full blossom of our magnolia tree during a very warm spring night, just before Covid lockdown."
Vadims Pjatrikovs
Vadims Pjatrikovs: "The cycle of life is an inevitable part of nature. And what appears to be dead can give birth to something as gorgeous as this bright and sunny tropical plant."
Demmi Havenhand
Demmi Havenhand: "This picture, to me, shows a new way of life. Taken as lockdown restrictions eased, it shows my sister through a shop window. Masks are now a regular part of life we would never have expected, and I feel as though this image encapsulates the theme of new beginnings."
Stuart Manktelow
Stuart Manktelow: "Early morning at Port Lympne, Hythe, Kent. One of the new cubs with his mum."
Doris Enders
Doris Enders: "A bud of a chive flower ready to open."
Philip Crawley
Philip Crawley: "Baby kingbird waiting for parent to feed it."
Vera Rosenblueth
Vera Rosenblueth: "A litter of six Mexican Xoloitzcuintli dogs, five hairless, one white and full of hair: a new beginning."
Sandhya Bhattaram
Sandhya Bhattaram: "A ray of hope and new beginnings."
Yvonne Warriner
Yvonne Warriner: "This kitten's first steps outdoors after her mum was fostered to help with the birth of the kittens."
Lynn Griffiths
Lynn Griffiths: "A lovely Canada Goose gosling almost straight after hatching. It was struggling to find its feet as it took its first steps. Seen in the New Forest where I was walking."
Natalie Montanaro:
Natalie Montanaro: "Just three friends welcoming in the New Year with a sparkle. We have been sidetracked by the pandemic all this past year, so a little optimism was in order."
Linda Rowe
Linda Rowe: "Wild ponies on the Longmynd (Shropshire Hills); a mother and her foal."
Anton Glaeser
Anton Glaeser: "Every new beginning starts with a courageous first step."
Valter Zhara
And finally, Valter Zhara sent in this picture capturing the beauty of hiking.
The next theme is "derelict", and the deadline for entries is 5 October 2021.