The winner of the Wainwright Prize for UK Nature Writing has been announced at a virtual awards ceremony on September 8th. Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty chronicles the turning of the then 15-year-old’s world and breaks the mould of modern nature writing. Dara’s book is an extraordinary portrayal of his intense connection to the natural world alongside his perspective as an autistic teenager juggling exams, friendships and a life of campaigning.
This year’s prize has been extended to include a second category for books about global conservation and climate change, and Rebirding by Benedict Macdonald is its inaugural winner. Praised as ‘visionary’ by conservationists and landowners alike, Rebirding sets out a compelling manifesto for restoring Britain’s wildlife, rewilding its species and restoring rural jobs – to the benefit of all. Irreplaceable by Justin Hoffman was awarded highly commended in the category.
This year’s Nature Writing judging panel was chaired by TV presenter Julia Bradbury, and her fellow judges were: Geoff Duffield, Wildlife Trust volunteer and former publisher; Andrew Willan, Wealden Festival Director; Patrick Neale, Bookseller Jaffe & Neale; Jessica J Lee, Editor Willow Herb Review; Celia Richardson, Director of Communications and Insight, National Trust.
Julia comments: “The Diary of a Young Naturalist is a significant nature book – made all the more so because it is Dara McAnulty’s first, completed before his 16th birthday. Our Wainwright Prize winner this year is nuanced, passionate and caring. It’s a wonderful diary that fits around Dara’s personal endeavours and family experiences, but ultimately, shaped by the nature that surrounds us all. The judges were almost breathless from reading it and would like to call for it to be immediately listed on the national curriculum. Such is the book’s power to move and the urgency of the situation we face.”
The Chair of Judges for the new Global Conservation Prize was BBC Countryfile presenter, Charlotte Smith. She was joined by Adrian Phillips, conservationist; Rachel Woolliscroft, sustainability expert; and Craig Bennett, CEO UK Wildlife Trusts.
Charlotte said: “Rebirding is an immensely readable book on complex and contentious issues. As you’d expect, it considers the needs of birds, but also the future of rural communities in an interesting and engaging way. While not everyone will agree with Benedict Macdonald’s conclusions, they’ll enjoy arguing with him as they read!”
The prize is supported by Frances Lincoln Publishers, publisher of the Wainwright Guides, the Wainwright Estate and in partnership with the National Trust. The £5,000 prize fund will be shared and presented to the authors of the winning books, as well as framed trophies featuring Jon Tremaine’s stunning artwork. Last year’s winner was Underland by Robert Macfarlane.
2020 shortlists:
The shortlist for the 2020 Wainwright Prize for UK Nature Writing is:
WINNER Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty published by Little Toller Books
HIGHLY COMMENDED On the Red Hill by Mike Parker published by Cornerstone, Penguin Random House UK
The Frayed Atlantic Edge by David Gange published by William Collins
Dark, Salt, Clear by Lamorna Ash published by Bloomsbury
Native: Life in a Vanishing Landscape by Patrick Laurie published by Birlinn
Dancing with Bees by Brigit Strawbridge published by Howard & John Walters, illustrator Chelsea Green Publishing
Wanderland by Jini Reddy published by Bloomsbury Wildlife
The 2020 Wainwright Prize for Writing on Global Conservation shortlist is:
WINNER Rebirding by Benedict Macdonald published by Pelagic
HIGHLY COMMENDED Irreplaceable by Julian Hoffman published by Penguin/Hamish Hamilton
Life Changing by Helen Pilcher published by Sigma, Bloomsbury
Sitopia by Carolyn Steel published by Vintage/Chatto & Windus
What We Need to Do Now by Chris Goodall published by Profile Books
Working with Nature by Jeremy Purseglove published by Profile Books