Once again, the Young Country Diary series is open for submissions! Every three months, we ask you to send us an article written by a child aged 8 to 14.
The article must focus on a recent encounter they had with nature – whether it’s a winter flower, a hidden object in a pond or a fascinating insect.
It doesn’t matter whether the child is a nature expert or not: we particularly want to reach teachers who would like their class to get outside and notice nature. Please note that any child who has their article published will be paid!
The winter registration deadline is Monday, February 2 at noon.
From all applications, four will be chosen for publication in the newspaper and online – two in January and two in February. If you are not selected this time, don’t be discouraged, the submission form will reopen at the beginning of March, for articles about spring.
Note that all early birds who submit an article before the 16th have a chance of being published in January.
How your child can participate
Firstly, we are looking for children aged 8-14, so we will need your permission, as a parent or guardian. So here is what the child should do:
Step 1 – Go out one day where there is nature. It could be their local forest or beach, their garden, a farm or just the nearest park.
Step 2 – Write an article 200-250 words telling us what they saw and what happened.
Step 3 – Send us the article using the form below. We ask that you complete the form yourself rather than the child.
Photos/drawings – These are useful (especially in landscape rather than portrait) but they are not a requirement of entry. If you have any, please let us know in the “more information” field, as it is not possible to attach them to the form.
Tips and Tricks for All Aspiring YCD Writers
If the child is stuck and doesn’t know what to write, here are some tips:
Good nature writing begins with the senses – so what have you seen and heard? What about smell and touch? Take notes when you’re on the go so you don’t forget
How would you describe what happened? Did this remind you of anything?
It’s great to seek out additional information about what you saw and tell us about it too. For example, if you find an interesting insect, try to find out what type of butterfly it is, how long it lives – and all the interesting details!
You can think big and describe the entire scene: the sky, the horizon, the landscape. Or you can think small and give us some details about the butterfly’s wings or the beetle’s markings.
What did your encounter with nature make you think of? How did that make you feel?
The registration deadline is 10 p.m. Sunday November 2. Anyone can register their child who is aged between 8 and 14 and based in the UK. You, the parent/guardian, will be contacted if your child’s article is selected for publication, and you will be paid on behalf of the child.
For more inspiration, here are some recent Young Country Diaries:
Mia, 11, discovers a fairytale mushroom
Eight-year-old Sachin on seeing a rare and beautiful bird
Flynn, 10 years old, approaching a magnificent beetle
Good luck everyone!
Paul Fleckney, editor of Young Country Diary and Country Diary
We ask the parent/guardian to complete the form below, rather than your child. Your responses are secure because the form is encrypted and only the Guardian has access to your contributions. One of our journalists will be in contact with you, as the parent or guardian, before publication, so please leave your contact details.
Share your experience
You can submit your child’s journal entry using this form.
