The Guardian has announced the reopening of submissions for its Young Country Diary series, inviting children aged 8 to 14 to share their experiences with nature. This initiative encourages young writers to explore their surroundings and document their encounters, whether it involves a winter flower or a curious insect. Published pieces will not only be featured in both the newspaper and online but will also yield financial compensation for the young authors.
Submissions for winter entries are due by noon on February 2, 2024. The selection process will result in the publication of four articles, with two featured in January and two in February. Aspiring authors should not be discouraged if their submissions are not chosen; the series will reopen in early March for spring-themed articles.
How Children Can Participate
To participate, parents or guardians must provide permission for their child to submit an article. The process is straightforward and consists of three key steps:
1. **Explore Nature**: Children should venture into a natural setting, which could be a local park, beach, garden, or any outdoor area.
2. **Write an Article**: They should compose a piece between 200 and 250 words detailing their observations and experiences during their outing.
3. **Submit the Article**: Guardians are required to complete the submission form rather than the child.
While including photographs or drawings is encouraged, these are not mandatory for entry. Parents are asked to indicate if their child has visuals to accompany the text in the provided information field.
Paul Fleckney, the editor of Young Country Diary, emphasizes the importance of sensory details in nature writing. He encourages young writers to describe what they see, hear, and feel during their outdoor adventures. Suggestions for inspiration include recounting memorable moments or providing interesting facts about their observations. For example, if a child encounters an intriguing insect, they might research its species and lifespan.
Important Dates and Guidelines
The deadline for entries is 10:00 PM on February 2, 2024. Any child residing in the United Kingdom within the specified age range is eligible to participate. Should a submission be selected for publication, the child’s parent or guardian will be contacted, and payment will be issued on behalf of the young contributor.
Recent entries in the Young Country Diary series have highlighted various natural encounters. For instance, one article features Mia, 11, describing her discovery of a unique fungus, while Sachin, eight, shares his experience of spotting a rare bird.
As the deadline approaches, children across the UK are encouraged to take part in this exciting opportunity to connect with nature and develop their writing skills. For more details and to submit an entry, guardians can access the designated form provided by The Guardian.
