The James Cropper Wainwright Prize, which was named after much-loved nature writer Alfred Wainwright and created to celebrate connection with nature and the outdoors, today announced its 2023 shortlists in three categories.
For the first time in the prize's 10 year history, women dominate the shortlists, with 13 female authors out of the 19 shortlisted. Eleven of the books are from independent publishers, with Walker Books recognised for three titles and accounting for half of the Children's Prize Shortlist.
The shortlist also includes established nature writers, including 2020 winner, Dara McAnulty and 2017 shortlistee Stephen Moss - alongside acclaimed new voices Amanda Thomson, Sarah Langford and Elizabeth-Jane Burnett.
While confronting the reality of a world in crisis - from extreme weather to food insecurity, polluted oceans and endangered species - and a clarion call for urgent action, the shortlisted books also offer solace and optimism, as well as radical solutions to heal our planet and ourselves through our connection with nature.
Authors on the conservation shortlist were praised by judges (chaired by The Wildlife Trusts Chief Executive, Craig Bennett) for their 'positive energy' in exploring many of our deepest challenges as they offer pragmatic solutions for rewilding oceans and forests, reimagining our habitats and rethinking our relationship with nature.
In the 10 years since the Prize's inception, sales of books about the natural world have soared, with increased interest in the climate, the healing power of nature and the extraordinary wild world around us. The shortlists celebrate this 'golden age' of nature writing.
The winners of all three categories will be announced live on 14th September at the James Cropper Wainwright Prize 10th Anniversary Celebration, held in partnership with the Kendal Mountain Festival. This is the first time the ceremony has been open to the public to watch the winners be announced live. Tickets are available from:Â https://tickets.kendalmountainfestival.com