Green Stories Competition 2026

This year we have 3 prize categories and have extended to Early Years:

Early Years Nursery (age 3-5) & Primary School (P1-7)

Prize - 20 prizes of £100 (£50 to entrant and £50 to the school/nursery)

Create a picture inspired by your own experience of nature.

Draw, paint, or create an image on A4 paper, based on something real you’ve seen or done outdoors—such as spotting wildlife, walking in the woods, or enjoying your local park.

Your image can help show others why nature matters. A picture can inspire a greener future by capturing the beauty of the natural world, showing how we care for living things, or highlighting moments that remind us why protecting our planet is important.

Physical submission only.

High School S1–S3

Prize - 5 prizes of £300 (£150 to entrant and £150 to the School)

Write a short story, poem (no more that 1000 words), OR design an informational poster about the future of our planet

Your piece might explore:

• A place you know (or imagine) and how it changes in the future
• People looking after animals, land, food, or nature
• A problem the planet is facing—and how people try to solve it
• How communities work together to make things better

Your entry can be:

• Set in the near or distant future
• Realistic or imaginative
• Hopeful, challenging, or surprising

If creating a poster, you can use strong visuals to show what a greener world could look like or to highlight actions that help protect nature. Images can communicate ideas quickly and powerfully.

There are no right or wrong ideas—we want to see your imagination and your vision of a greener future.

Poster to be physical submission on A4 or A3 paper only.

High School S4–S6

Prize - 5 prizes of £300 (£150 to entrant and £150 to the school)

Create a short piece of writing (no more that 1000 words) OR design an informational poster imagining how people, communities, and the natural world could work together to build a sustainable future.

Your work could explore:

• Climate change, biodiversity, food, land, water, or animals
• How new ideas, skills, technology, or traditions shape the future
• Life in a rural or natural place that is changing
• The choices people make - and their consequences

You may choose to write:

• A short story
• A poem
• A creative essay

Poster entries can use images, symbols, or diagrams to inspire action and show what a sustainable future could look like, from thriving ecosystems to cleaner, more connected communities.

We’re looking for original thinking, thoughtful ideas, and a clear vision of positive environmental change.

Poster to be physical submission on A4 or A3 paper only.

If you would like to submit something not listed below, please email us to check whether there is any additional guidance:

• Pictures should be on A4 paper for the Primary/Nursery competition. Unfortunately, digital versions cannot be accepted.
• Posters should be on A3 or A4 paper for the high school competitions. Unfortunately, digital versions cannot be accepted.
• Written stories can be handwritten, but typed is preferred, and should not exceed 1000 words.
• Please remember to attach all the required information to each entry. 
• The competition closes at midday on 4 May and winners will be informed by the end of May.
• By entering our competition, you consent to your entry being shared on social media channels and displayed at the Royal Highland Show in June 2026.