Nature Writing
Nature Writing
Judging Chair
Luke Sherlock
Author & Bookshop Owner
“A culture of nature fans is what we need. And nature writing is at the heart of that effort – strengthening the passion of like minded people and bringing new people in. All manner of environmental topics are changing our awareness. With that comes connection and solidarity, in the face of so many challenges.”
The Panel
Alastair Humphreys
Writer & Adventurer
JC Niala
Anthropologist and Nature Writer
Ash Bhardwaj
Broadcast Journalist, Author and Storyteller
Soraya Abdel-Hadi
Founder of All the Elements
Conservation Writing
Conservation Writing
Judging Chair
Dr Khalil Thirlaway
Natural History Museum Podcast, Biologist
“I’m thrilled to return as a judge and chair the Conservation panel! It’s great to see all these writers centring the importance of our relationship with nature when it’s at such a pivotal point. The longlist is full of titles I’m excited to read!”
The Panel
Henry Bird
Newsletter Editor and Environment Newsletter Writer, The Times
Craig Bennett
Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts
Marion Atieno Osieyo
Founder and Host of Black Earth Podcast
Hannah Martin
Co-Director of Green New Deal Rising
Illustrative Books
Illustrative Books
Judging Chair
Lee Schofield
Ecologist & Author
“It’s wonderful to see the Wainwright Prize continuing to innovate and grow, helping to elevate the incredible diversity of nature writing talent. Being a judge for a brand new category – The Wainwright Prize for Illustrative Books – is a joy and a privilege. Weaving words and images together into books of great beauty, the longlisted authors are telling environmental stories in striking new ways.”
The Panel
Mark Funnell
Communications and Campaigns Director at National Trust
Jack Baker
Host & Creator of Pangolin: The Conservation Podcast
Francesca Willow
Writer, Artist, Climate Campaigner
Lucy Lapwing
Naturalist and Communicator
Non-Fiction
Non-Fiction
Judging Chair
Ella Al-Shamahi
National Geographic Explorer, Presenter, Stand-up, Palaeoanthropologist & Evolutionary Biologist
“We’re thrilled to welcome Ella Al-Shamahi as Chair of the Children’s Wainwright Prize for Non-Fiction. As an explorer, writer and passionate science communicator, Ella brings a unique perspective to the panel and one that aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire young readers to engage with the natural world through curiosity, discovery and storytelling.”
The Panel
Dr Jess French
Author
Tim Herbert
Editor of National Geographic Kids Magazine
Dan Green
Editor of The Week Junior Science+Nature
Fiction
Fiction
Judging Chair
Uju Asika
Children's Writer & Consultant
“It’s a joy to be back on the judging panel for the Children’s Wainwright Prize. The children’s fiction category is incredibly strong with a wide range of voices, styles and approaches. Each author manages to tackle serious, urgent themes without compromising on storytelling magic. I’m honoured to be a part of the selection process and I can’t wait for the longlist to be announced!”
The Panel
Cassie Chadderton
Chief Executive of World Book Day
Alex Try
RSPB Director of Communications
Jennifer Bell
Author
Emily Wainwright
Planting Designer and Illustrator
Picture Books
Picture Books
Judging Chair
Mwaka "Mwaksy" Mudenda
Blue Peter Presenter
“Being a judge for this year’s Wainwright Prize has been so exciting – I’ve read some amazing books that really open your eyes to the beauty of nature and the challenges our planet is facing. It’s been hard picking my favourite because every book brings something unique and powerful! I’ve loved every second of it, and it’s brilliant to celebrate authors who inspire us to care for the world around us!”
The Panel
Mikey Please
Author & Illustrator
Mariajo Ilustrajo
Author & Illustrator
Jon Klassen
Illustrator & Author
Frann Preston-Gannon
Illustrator & Author
Judging Process for Overall Winners
Following the selection of the six individual category winners, a dedicated panel composed of the prize director and subject-matter experts, as well as representatives from the rights holders will convene to determine the overall adult and children’s winners. Drawing on the category panels’ insights this group will discuss the shortlisted titles against the overall judging criteria before reaching a consensus.
Judging Criteria for Overall Children's Wainwright Prize Winner:
The overall winner of the children’s Wainwright Prize will be selected from the three category winners by a separate panel not involved in the individual category decisions. The chosen title will be one that best embodies the Wainwright Prize’s mission to inspire a lifelong love of nature and the outdoors. Judges will consider the book’s originality, emotional impact, accessibility, and its ability to foster curiosity, care, and wonder in young readers.
Judging Criteria for Overall Adult's Wainwright Prize Winner:
The overall winner of the adult’s Wainwright Prize will be selected from the three category winners by a separate panel not involved in the individual category decisions. The winning book will be recognised for its outstanding contribution to deepening our understanding of nature, place, and environmental responsibility. Judges will assess its potential for cultural impact, its resonance with a wide readership, and how powerfully it reflects the values at the heart of the Wainwright Prize.