Stories that connect people and planet
The Wainwright Prize recognises the power of words to shape a greener future, celebrating the books that help us see the natural world, and our place within it, more clearly. From personal journeys through wild landscapes to bold investigations into environmental challenges, these are the stories that connect people and planet.
Spanning three categories, the awards honour original voices and striking visual storytelling inspiring us to care more deeply for the world around us. Together, they champion the art of noticing, understanding, and protecting the natural world.
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.