Wainwright Prize to part ways with headline sponsor

The Wainwright Prize for nature and conservation writing is parting ways with its headline sponsor, the packaging manufacturer James Cropper.

The prize was launched in 2013 by publisher Frances Lincoln in association with the National Trust and aims to celebrate outstanding titles inspired by nature and travel. Named after nature writer Alfred Wainwright, it includes three distinct awards for nature writing, writing on conservation and children’s writing. Previous winners include Amy-Jane Beer for Goshawk Summer (Elliott & Thompson) and Merlin Sheldrake for Entangled Life (Bodley Head).

Having partnered with James Cropper for the past three years, prize founders thanked the former sponsor for its support in “connecting people with the natural world and global conservation efforts and ideas”. Now, as the prize enters its 11th year, it is seeking new partners and investors. 

Submissions for all three categories of the 2024 prize close today (Thursday, 28th March). The winners, who will share a prize fund of £7,500, are scheduled to be announced at a ceremony on 12th September.