---
title: The Moth Nature Writing Prize
description: International prize for unpublished prose or poetry (max 4000 words) on the writer's relationship with the natural world. Three prizes up to €1,000 plus a week at The Moth Retreat.
url: https://www.artsume.com/programs/29c59479-1d4f-4c54-ae3b-32e366720832
type: program
status: closed
createdAt: "2026-09-04"
updatedAt: "2026-10-01"
programType: Prize/award
organization: The Moth Magazine
organizationUrl: https://www.artsume.com/o/the-moth-magazine
deadline: "2026-09-30"
entryFee: 16 USD
location: Belturbet, Cavan, Ireland
isOnline: false
compensationRange: 1st prize €1,000 plus a week at The Moth Retreat in Ireland, 2nd prize €500, 3rd prize €250
disciplines:
  - creative writing
  - poetry
  - prose
  - writing
  - nature writing
  - creative nonfiction
  - fiction
---

# The Moth Nature Writing Prize

**Hosted by:** The Moth Magazine

**Type:** Prize/award | **Location:** Belturbet, Cavan, Ireland | **Deadline:** September 30, 2026 | **Entry fee:** $16

## About This Program

> "Nature writing — the writer's relationship with the natural world"

The Moth Nature Writing Prize is an international prize. It aims to encourage and celebrate the art of nature writing and is awarded annually to unpublished pieces of prose or poetry which best combine exceptional literary merit with an exploration of the writers' relationship with the natural world. The winners are chosen by a single judge each year, who reads the entries anonymously.

Previous judges include Richard Mabey, Helen Macdonald, Max Porter, Kathleen Jamie and Cal Flyn. An entry consists of a single poem of any length (not a collection of poems) or a single piece of prose (fiction or non-fiction) of up to 4,000 words. 1st prize €1,000 and a week at The Moth Retreat, 2nd prize €500, 3rd prize €250. The winning pieces are published in the Irish Times online. This year's judge is award-winning poet Sean Borodale.

## Eligibility & Requirements

- **Geographic Eligibility:** International
- **Disciplines:** creative writing, poetry, prose, writing, nature writing, creative nonfiction, fiction
- **Age Requirements:** 16+ years old
- **Note:** Open to anyone over 16 from anywhere in the world, as long as the work is original and previously unpublished. An entry consists of a single poem of any length (not a collection of poems) or a single piece of prose (fiction or non-fiction) of up to 4,000 words.

### Additional Requirements

A single poem of any length (not a collection) or a single piece of prose (fiction or non-fiction) of up to 4,000 words, original and previously unpublished. Enter online, or post your entry with a cheque or postal order payable to 'The Moth Magazine Ltd.' along with an entry form or a cover letter with your name, contact details and the title of your poem or story.

## Compensation & Benefits

1st prize €1,000 plus a week at The Moth Retreat in Ireland, 2nd prize €500, 3rd prize €250

**Includes:** Prize

1st prize €1,000 plus a week at The Moth Retreat in Ireland, 2nd prize €500, 3rd prize €250. The winning pieces are published in the Irish Times online.

## Timeline

- **Opens:** September 4, 2026
- **Deadline:** September 30, 2026

## Contact

**Contact:** Rebecca O Connor

## How to Apply

Apply at: https://themothmagazine.com/the-moth-nature-writing-prize