Nature writing competition calls for stories that highlight changing seasons

This year’s theme is “Changing seasons” as entrants are encouraged to write about nature’s most notable moments throughout the year – from the first budding bluebells in spring to the influx of wintering birds such as whooper swans, waxwings and pink-footed geese.

The theme also reflects the impacts that climate change is having on our seasons, with many natural processes being knocked out of sync by rising temperatures. The summer of 2025 was the warmest on record in the UK, while mild days in early spring are bringing insects out of their hibernation-like state long before the chicks that feed on them have hatched. 

Jo Pike, chief executive of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: “Words of the Wild is fast becoming a highlight of our year and this time around we’re focusing on the moments in nature’s calendar that mean the most to you. But we also want to hear about how climate change is affecting the seasons and the wildlife that depends on this cycle. Perhaps you’ve noticed tadpoles emerging earlier in spring or uneaten berries dropping from trees in autumn. 

“Following the success of our previous competitions, I have no doubt that this year’s theme will resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds, bringing to life another collection of powerful stories.” 

Words of the Wild is supported by notable names in literature and conservation, with poet and former Young Makar, Eve McIntosh, and BBC Radio Scotland’s Out of Doors Presenter, Rachel Stewart both on the judging panel. Over £2,500 worth of wildlife prizes are available for this year’s winners, with prizes generously donated by Swarovski, NHBS, Elliot & Thompson, Wild Fungarium and others. 

In 2025, the competition’s theme was “From source to sea”, attracting nearly 900 entries from all across the UK. Winners included Faith MacLachlan, aged 12, from Lewis, who composed a Gaelic poem about the wildlife and waves on a secluded beach, and Finola Scott from Kirkintilloch, whose Scots entry took inspiration from Scotland’s folk tales and spectacular coastal landscapes.  

Dr Kenny Taylor, chair of the Scottish Wildlife Trust and Words of the Wild judge, said: “The seasons have a profound impact on the way we live our lives. For some, seeing a swallow is the first sign that spring has truly arrived, while many of us look forward to the stunning array of colour that washes over our woodlands every autumn. But it can’t be ignored that as our planet warms, our seasons are changing. I’m intrigued to see how these experiences inspire this year’s entrants.” 

Entries to Words of the Wild can be up to 1,000 words in the form of poetry, short stories, journalistic articles, essays, letters or even song lyrics and can be written in English, Scots or Gaelic. Adult and junior finalists from each language category will be featured in a special exhibition which will be displayed at various locations throughout autumn and winter. The winners will be announced at the Scottish International Storytelling Festival in October. 

Daniel Abercrombie, director for the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, said: "We’re delighted to be working with the Scottish Wildlife Trust again on the Words of the Wild nature writing competition and are looking forward to hosting the winners’ announcement as part of our festival this autumn, which is fittingly themed ’Bird and Beast’. We heartily encourage storytellers of all disciplines and backgrounds to get involved and we’re excited to see the creative sparks emerge!" 

For more information, including details on how to enter, visit the Scottish Wildlife Trust website: scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/wordsofthewild