This competition has now closed. The winners and runners up will be announced on 22 September 2022.
Grass whispers in the hay meadow. Wild garlic scents the woodland air. In the canal’s dark mirror, stars glitter; a fox barks. We all have favourite places, made vivid by nature.
For the BBC Countryfile Magazine’s 2022 New Nature Writer of the Year competition, we’d like to hear about the special places around the country that inspire your love of nature, and where you feel a deep connection to it.
All you have to do is write us a short piece, between 600-800 words long on the theme of 'A special place', and send it to us by 11.59pm on 8 June 2022.
The winner will be published in BBC Countryfile Magazine’s October issue.
What is the theme for 2022?
‘A special place’ is your tribute to a UK location you love, and the nature that flourishes there. The place might be ‘special’ to many – or simply special to you. It might be rural – or urban.
As we read your entry, we want to feel as though we are standing in your special place. We want to feel immersed in the place you describe, and to feel the connection to nature you experienced there. What does this place look, sound and smell like? How does it make you feel?
Speak your wild voice
We know wild places inspire you. But we wanted to hear you explore your passion for nature in your own words – that’s why we launched our first New Nature Writer of the Year competition in 2021.
Reading your entries was a joyful experience. There were many, many wonderful and interesting stories – far more than we could possibly shortlist.
So we know that there are many other talented writers out there whose voices we would love to share. So why not give it a try!
For inspiration, why not read some of last year’s shortlisted entries.
The prize
If you’re chosen as the winner by our panel of expert judges, your story will be published in BBC Countryfile Magazine’s October issue.
What counts as a 'new writer'?
We’re keen to hear new voices – those who have never published nature writing in print, for a national audience. But you CAN take part if you have written about nature in local newspapers, or other print media with a limited audience. It’s also fine to enter if you’ve written blogs and web features about the natural world, or won other competitions for your nature writing. And if you entered last year and didn’t win, you are welcome to enter again.
Who can enter?
The competition is open to all residents of the UK, including the Channel Islands, except employees or contractors of Immediate Media and anyone connected with the competition or their direct family members. There is no minimum age for entrants.
How to enter the Countryfile Nature Writer of the Year competition 2022
- Please send your entry by email only, to newnaturewoty@countryfile.com.
- Paste the text into the body of the email, rather than attaching it
in a document. - Don’t forget to include your full name, your address, your email address and daytime telephone number.
- Entrants aged under 18 must state their age with their competition entry, and confirm that they have permission to enter from their parent or guardian.
The winners will be announced on 22 September 2022.
Illustration: Andy Lovell
