2026 Longlists
This year, we’re celebrating 68 exceptional books across five categories, each one showcasing the power of stories to connect people and planet.
From deeply personal journeys through wild places to urgent explorations of the environmental challenges facing our planet, and from children’s adventures full of wonder to fascinating non-fiction, this year’s longlists champion books that inspire us to notice more, understand more and care more deeply for the natural world.
Whether you’re discovering your next great read, introducing a young reader to the wonders of nature, or simply exploring the remarkable breadth of contemporary nature writing, conservation and children’s literature, we hope these books inspire you not only to turn the page, but to step outside and look a little closer.
2026 Longlists
The Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing
The Wainwright Prize for Conservation Writing
The Wainwright Prize for Illustrative Books
Looking for the Illustrative Books category?
Rather than announcing a longlist, we’ll be revealing a shortlist of six exceptional titles on 5th August alongside our five other categories. Showcasing outstanding photography, illustration, art and design, these books bring the beauty and complexity of the natural world vividly to life. Be sure to check back on 5th August to discover this year’s shortlist.
