CALLING NEW WRITERS
Are you a budding nature writer? Enter our competition for a chance to see your work published in the magazine.
“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart”
William Wordsworth
Has your passion for nature grown as lockdown kept you cooped up at home? Do you enjoy expressing your love for nature by putting pen to paper? Then enter our New Nature Writer of the Year competition for a chance to have your piece published in BBC Countryfile Magazine
If things go according to plan, many of us will begin emerging from our enforced seclusion this spring and summer, and at last be able to escape our homes and immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the countryside.
During the restrictions of the past year, many of us have been more sensitive than ever to nature. Even simple, fleeting moments have seemed precious, eternal. While our lives took a strange and troubling turn, we cherished the soothing song of a blackbird, the scent of blossom on the breeze and the final golden flare of sunshine before dark.
We know that during this time many of you may have begun to articulate your love for the natural world in diaries, blogs or social media. As a result, we thought this is the perfect time to celebrate the art of nature writing, and give a platform to those of you with a talent for writing about the natural world.
That’s why we are launching the first BBC Countryfile Magazine New Nature Writer of the Year competition. All you have to do is write us a short piece. We’d love to hear from you!
WHAT TO WRITE ABOUT
The theme for your story is ‘An escape to nature’.
To enter, send us 600–800 words describing an aspect of the natural world that you have witnessed in person. This could be an observation of wildlife or landscape, or an exploration of the impact an encounter or experience had on you.
As we read your entry, we want to feel as though we are standing beside you. Your piece should have a vivid atmosphere and create a strong sense of place. How did this experience of the natural world affect you? Did the experience change your mind? Did it move you?
Remember the poet William Wordsworth’s words when he urged: “Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.”
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 September issue.
WHAT’S 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.
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 AND WHEN DO I ENTER?
• 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 closing date for entries is 11.59pm on 9 June 2021. Good luck!
MORE DETAILS
For full terms and conditions, see: countryfile.com/countryfile-magazinecompetition-terms-and-conditions/