Calling all young nature enthusiasts! The Guardian is once again opening its doors to budding writers for the "Young Country Diary" series. If you're between the ages of 8 and 14 and have a passion for the natural world, this is your chance to shine.
The "Young Country Diary" is a celebration of wildlife and the changing seasons, seen through the eyes of young people. Each season, the Guardian invites children to submit articles about their recent encounters with nature. What better way to share your love of the outdoors than to have your words published in a national newspaper?
What to Write About?
Think about your recent experiences with nature this spring. Have you spotted a field bursting with early spring flowers? Perhaps you've witnessed a bird building its nest, or discovered a pond teeming with frogspawn. No matter how big or small the encounter, the Guardian wants to hear about it!
Don't be afraid to get creative and share your unique perspective. What did you see? What did you hear? How did it make you feel? These are all great questions to consider when crafting your article.
"It’s always exciting to be set up on a date in a different way." This quote, while from a different context, perfectly captures the excitement of trying something new and sharing your voice with the world.
How to Submit
Submitting your article is easy! Just follow the guidelines on the Guardian website. Make sure your article is well-written, engaging, and reflects your personal experience with nature. Good luck!
This is a fantastic opportunity for young writers to develop their skills, share their passion for the environment, and gain valuable experience. So, grab your pen (or keyboard!) and start writing. The natural world is waiting to be discovered, and the Guardian is waiting to hear your story.
More than just writing...
While you're at it, maybe you can help with other nature related problems, like identifying and dealing with pesky thrips on houseplants! "These tiny, sap-sucking insects reproduce rapidly and often hide under leaves and within new growth" - so keep a close eye on your plants!
Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try out some new recipes like Meera Sodha's vegan recipe for lentils with chestnuts, red wine and cavolo nero. Who knows, you could discover your new favorite meal!