The Guardian is calling for young writers to submit their articles for the upcoming edition of the Young Country Diary series. This initiative invites children aged 8 to 14 to share their recent encounters with nature. Whether it’s a walk in the woods, a visit to the beach, or simply observing wildlife in a local park, the aim is to capture the beauty and wonder of the natural world through youthful perspectives.
Submissions are open until noon on February 2, 2024. Four selected entries will be published in the newspaper and online, with two pieces appearing in January and two in February. Children who submit articles will not only have the opportunity to see their work in print, but they will also be compensated for their contributions.
How to Participate in Young Country Diary
Parents and guardians interested in having their children participate should ensure they provide permission. The process is straightforward and consists of three main steps.
First, children should spend time outdoors, observing nature. They can explore their local woods, gardens, beaches, farms, or parks. Next, they need to write an article between 200-250 words, detailing their experiences and observations. Finally, parents should submit the article using the provided form on The Guardian’s website.
While photographs or drawings are encouraged, they are not mandatory. If parents have visual materials, they can indicate this in the submission form’s “more information” section.
Tips for Aspiring Young Writers
To assist young authors in crafting their entries, The Guardian offers several helpful tips. Good nature writing begins with engaging the senses—encouraging children to describe what they saw, heard, smelled, and felt during their outdoor adventures.
Taking notes during their experience is beneficial, allowing them to recall specific details later. For instance, if they observe an interesting insect, they can research its species, lifespan, and other intriguing facts.
Children are encouraged to let their imagination flow, whether they choose to paint a broad picture of their surroundings or zoom in on the intricate details of a butterfly’s wings. They should contemplate their feelings and thoughts during their nature encounter, adding depth to their writing.
The deadline for submissions is set for 10:00 PM on February 2, 2024. All children aged 8 to 14 residing in the UK are eligible to participate. Parents or guardians will be notified if their child’s work is selected for publication, with payments made on behalf of the young author.
For inspiration, recent entries in the Young Country Diary include contributions from Mia, 11, who wrote about discovering a fairytale fungus, and Sachin, 8, who observed a rare bird. Paul Fleckney, editor of the Young Country Diary, encourages all young writers to seize this opportunity to express their connection with nature.
For those who miss the February deadline, the submission portal will reopen in early March for articles reflecting on springtime experiences. Early submissions may even lead to opportunities for publication in January, so parents are encouraged to motivate their children to start writing soon.
