ONE of the star attractions at the forthcoming Otley Wildlife Arts Festival is likely to be an even bigger draw after scooping a major nature writing award.

Amy-Jane Beer has been awarded first place in the nature writing category of the prestigious Wainwright Prize for nature writing, now in its tenth year.

Amy-Jane, a Yorkshire-based biologist, is one of the top names appearing at the Otley Wildlife Arts Festival which takes place between October 6-8.

Her book The Flow: Rivers, Waters and Wildness charts her journey both through nature and her own feelings after she revisits the river where she lost a friend in a kayaking incident.

Alastair Giles, the director of the Wainwright Prize, said that Flow was “regrettably very topical” and that “every judge absolutely loved” it. He added: “The glorious detail and personal experiences, all written in such elegant and beautifully poetic language, was unparalleled.”

The Otley Wildlife Arts Festival is now in its third year and according to lead organiser Neil Griffin it will showcase both local and national talent who showcase nature through artistic impression.

Amy-Jane is due to appear on Saturday night when she will give a talk that encompasses her career as author of more than 40 books on natural history On Sunday evening Wildlife Friendly Otley’s new patron, the leading entomologist, environmental campaigner and television presenter George McGavin, will top the bill.

For the first time, Friday night at the festival will be given over to music, with Chumbawamba’s Boff Whalley and Daniel Bye performing a special version of their show “These Hills Are Ours”, Booking for the events is open now at the Courthouse. https://otleycourthouse.org.uk/