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…

2022 Winners Announced

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

14 September 2022

Reflecting on the 2022 James Cropper Wainwright Prize Winner's Ceremony at the London Wetland Centre

Last week, the Agile team gathered at the London Wetland Centre for the greatly-anticipated James Cropper Wainwright Prize winners’ ceremony.
7 September 2022

The James Cropper Wainwright Prize Winners 2022

ATTENBOROUGH CAMERAMAN, JAMES ALDRED; BBC R4 PRESENTER, DAN SALADINO; AND WRITER/ILLUSTRATOR BROTHERS, ROB AND TOM SEARS ANNOUNCED AS WINNERS OF THE AWARD
2 September 2022

2022 Paper Artist: Helen Musselwhite

The James Cropper Wainwright Prize is delighted to introduce its paper artist for 2022: Helen Musselwhite. Helen is a creator of enchanting paper artistry, forging flora and fauna creations with beguiling craftiness.

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.

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