Judges

Explore the 2022 Wainwright
prize judging panels

The UK Nature Writing Prize judging panel will be chaired by TV presenter Ray Mears. BBC Countryfile presenter; Charlotte Smith is the Chair of Judges for the Global Conservation Prize and former CBeebies TV presenter, Gemma Hunt chairs the new Children’s Prize.

Nature Writing

Ray Mears Headshot

Judging Chair

Ray Mears

Ray Mears has become recognised throughout the world as an authority on the subject of Bushcraft and Survival. He has also become a household name through his various television series, including Tracks, World of Survival, Trips Money Can’t Buy with Ewan McGregor, The Real Heroes of Telemark and many more. It is obvious to some, and a surprise to others to discover that Ray has spent his life learning these skills and is truly a master of the subject he calls Wilderness Bushcraft. He can currently be seen on ITV doing a Wild China series.

The Panel

Nature Writing

Sanjida O’Connell

TV presenter and author
Nature Writing

Raynor Winn

Twice-shortlisted author
Nature Writing

Caroline Morris

Bookseller
Nature Writing

Craig Bennett

CEO UK Wildlife Trusts
Nature Writing

Hugh Thomson

Author and previous winner
Nature Writing

Ray Mears

TV Presenter & Author

Writing on Conservation

Charlotte Smith Headshot

Judging Chair

Charlotte Smith

Charlotte Smith is a freelance broadcaster, writer and conference host – she presents BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today and has been a Countryfile presenter for more than two decades.

The Panel

Writing on Conservation

Harry Skeggs

Wildlife photographer and blogger
Writing on Conservation

Sir John Lawton

Leading Environmentalist
Writing on Conservation

Lizzie Carr

Children’s ECO blogger
Writing on Conservation

Mark Cropper

Chairman of James Cropper - Sustainable Paper Manufacturer
Writing on Conservation

Anita Longley

Former Chair of the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability
Writing on Conservation

Charlotte Smith

Broadcast Presenter & Global Conservation Judging Chair

Children's Writing on Nature and Global Conservation

Gemma Hunt

Judging Chair

Gemma Hunt

Gemma has been working in TV since 2003 when she graduated with her First Class Media Performance Degree from The University of Bedfordshire. Having met an agent through a careers day at the University, Gemma’s showreel was sent to CBBC who met her for an interview, invited her for a screen test and then offered her a contract with CBBC, all before she had graduated. Gemma also runs workshops in presenting skills and enjoys working with children, leading storytelling sessions and birthday parties. In 2017 Gemma was hugely honoured to be nominated in the “Presenter” category at the Children’s BAFTA’S. Gemma has also just published her first children’s book, ‘A Good Friend’.

The Panel

Children's Writing on Nature and Global Conservation

Charlotte Morley

Ethical Children's Clothes Entrepreneur
Children's Writing on Nature and Global Conservation

Sarah Davis

Librarian
Children's Writing on Nature and Global Conservation

Tamara Macfarlane

Bookseller and author
Children's Writing on Nature and Global Conservation

John McClay

Childrens' Literary Festival Director
Children's Writing on Nature and Global Conservation

Gemma Hunt

TV Presenter
Children's Writing on Nature and Global Conservation

Mark Funnell

Communications & Campaigns Director National Trust