The Scottish Wildlife Trust, in association with the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, has announced the return of the successful Words of the Wild nature writing competition. Featured image by Jean Philippe Delberghe on Unsplash.com
This year, we are once again asking you to tell us your stories of Scotland’s wildlife and wild places within the theme: From source to sea. Participants are invited to create original works about Scotland’s freshwater and marine habitats. Entries can be in the form of poetry, short stories, journalistic articles, essays, letters or even song lyrics and can be written in English, Scots or Gaelic.
An adult and junior winner will be selected for each language, with over £2,000-worth of prizes to be won. Adult prizes include a pair of binoculars from Viking Optical and a selection of nature books from Canongate. Junior prizes include a snorkelling set from Arran Active and a £100 wildlife equipment voucher for NHBS.
The competition judging panel includes notable names from the worlds of literature and conservation, including renowned Scots poet, Len Pennie; Chair of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Dr Kenny Taylor; and former Scots Scriever, Susi Briggs.
Competition entries are limited to one per person and can be up to 1,000 words in length. The closing date for submissions is Saturday 12th July and the winners will be announced at the Scottish International Storytelling Festival in October.
For more information on how to enter follow this link 
Jo Pike, Chief Executive of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: “Following a hugely successful competition last year, we’re thrilled to bring back Words of the Wild for 2025. This year we’re focusing on the incredible wildlife and habitats found in and around Scotland’s lochs, rivers and seas. Whether it’s a memorable moment on a riverside walk, an awesome experience at a seabird city or an epic encounter on one of our snorkel trails, we can’t wait to read everyone’s stories.”
This year’s competition is in association with the Scottish International Storytelling Festival and supported by the Riverwoods Blueprint Project and Sea the Connection, both led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust.