Named after nature writer Alfred Wainwright, the prizes are awarded to the work which best reflects Wainwright’s core values and celebrates nature and our natural environment, nurturing respect for our planet, or warning of the dangers to it across the globe. There are three prize categories:
Nature Writing
Conservaton Writing
Children's Writing
2023 Key Dates
Submissions open – 16th March
Submissions close – 13th April
Longlist Announcement – 20th June TBC
Shortlist Announcement – 20th July TBC
Ceremony – 8th September TBC
Read more about the prize below…
2021 Winners Announced
2023 Submissions open
We are delighted to open submissions for the 10th anniversary James Cropper Wainwright Prize.
The Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing – recognises narrative-driven titles that reveal and celebrate some aspect of nature and the outdoors. Also recognises UK-based travel writing (not guidebooks) covering Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The Wainwright Prize for Writing on Conservation – recognises narrative-driven titles that make the case for nature conservation or tackling climate change.
The Wainwright Prize for Children – recognises titles in children’s publishing that emphasise the importance of inspiring young people to engage with nature and the outdoors or understanding the need for conservation or tackling climate change. The book could be illustrated, fiction or non-fiction and for children of any age.
Latest News
Nature Writing
SHORTLIST 2022
Writing on Conservation
SHORTLIST 2022
Children's Nature & Conservation Writing
SHORTLIST 2022
Judging Panel
Key Dates
LONGLIST LAUNCH:
24th
June
Shortlist LAUNCH:
4th
August
Ceremony:
7th
September
Meet Our Featured Artist
Helen Musslewhite
We are honoured and delighted to introduce this years’ featured artist: Helen Musselwhite. Helen works with paper to create magical illustrated models and sets. Cutting by hand, she uses coloured and painted paper to build stunning, detailed multi-layered scenes inspired by the natural world and its inhabitants.
Proudly Sponsored by James Cropper
The Wainwright Prize for UK Nature and Conservation Writing, is delighted to announce the agreement of a 3 year deal for headline sponsorship with James Cropper, a prestige paper innovator, based in the English Lake District, with an operational reach in over 50 countries.
Our Supporting Partners
