Wainwright Prize 2021 Sponsorship

In 2005, we produced a custom-made paper, matching the paper from the first editions, for the 50th Anniversary Wainwright pictorial guides that were once again printed in Kendal.

Publishers Frances Lincoln, in association with the National Trust, launched The Wainwright Prize for UK Nature and Travel Writing in November 2013. The prize aims to reward outstanding literary titles inspired by the general outdoors, UK nature, travel and conservation.

(The map of Westmorland kindly provided by Chris Butterfield – Alfred Wainwright Aficionado & Archivist)

For the second year, the prize includes an additional category for books on global conservation and climate change. In the midst of a pandemic, coupled with the ongoing climate crisis, the prize feels
timelier than ever before, as recognition of the restorative role that nature plays, and the urgency with which it needs to be protected grows.

Being located amongst the Lake District fells, stewardship of the natural environment is integral to the James Cropper business, and it is that mutual respect and celebration of nature and conservation that sit at the heart of the business’ sponsorship of the Wainwright
Prize.

The shortlists for the much-loved Wainwright Prize for UK Nature Writing and Global Conservation Writing have been announced and local author James Rebanks from the Lake District is among them.

The titles showcase a diverse group of writers and celebrate the wonder and awe of green spaces and nature’s creatures through the prism of the authors’ lives.

James Rebanks is a farmer based in Matterdale, where his family have lived and worked for over six hundred years. His bestselling debut, The Shepherd’s Life, won the 2015 Lake District Book of the Year prize which was also supported by us.

Now in its eighth year, the Wainwright Prize, named after the much-loved nature writer Alfred Wainwright, a Kendal local famous for his Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells, are awarded to the work which best reflects Wainwright’s core values and includes a celebration of nature and our natural environment, or a warning of the dangers to it across the globe.

This year’s Nature Writing judging panel is chaired by TV presenter Julia Bradbury, and her fellow judges are: Geoff Duffield, Wildlife Trust volunteer and former publisher; Jessica J Lee, Editor WillowHerb Review; Mark Funnell, Communications and Campaigns Director, National Trust; Patrick Neale, Bookseller Jaffe & Neale and Andrew Willan, Wealden Festival Director. They are joined this year by TV presenter and author; Ray Mears.

The Chair of Judges for the new Global Conservation Prize is BBC Countryfile presenter, Charlotte Smith. She is joined by Adrian Phillips, Environmental Professional; Dr. Craig Bennett, CEO UK Wildlife Trust; Rachel Woolliscroft, sustainability expert; Anita Longely, Chair, Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability and Nigel Roby, Community Energy Enthusiast and Strategic Advisor.

This is the eighth year of this special prize, and the restorative effects of natural capital are reflected keenly in this year’s entries. The Wainwright Prize is about celebrating the wonder and awe of green spaces and natures creatures through the prism of our authors lives.