Exmoor Dark Skies Festival Competition

Story-writing competition for children

This years’ Exmoor Dark Skies themed competition invites children to channel their inner Exmoor and write an exciting story inspired by Exmoor’s dark night skies - the judges will be looking for imagination, good use of language and all things Exmoor!

  • Children 11 and under - max 500 words
  • Children 12 to 16 - max 1000 words

All those aged 16 and under can enter and there will be a fantastic prize for the winner of each category.

  • Celestron have kindly donated a Starsense 102AZ telescope for the younger age category
  • Dryrobe are gifting one of their fantastic Dryrobes for the 12 to 16 category.
  • Second and third place certificates will also be awarded.
  • In addition, there will be one prize awarded to the best entry (from the 11 and under category) from schools within Devon and Somerset. The successful entrant will win a free Astronomy and Space themed workshop for their school hosted by Sophie, one of the Exmoor National Park Learning and Engagement officers.

We have three acclaimed judges lined up who have a wealth of experience. Davina Jelley, owner of Seven Fables book shop in Dulverton, Erin Allgrove, author of Bosun Bob The Salty Old Sea Dog and Marion Lindsay-Noble, author of The Ant Murders series which are based on Exmoor!

Closing date for competition entries: Friday 1st November 2024. All entries can be emailed to ruralenterprise@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk.Alternatively please post or hand deliver to: Dark Skies Writing Competition, Exmoor National Park Authority, Exmoor House, Dulverton TA22 9HL

Please ensure name, address, age and contact details are included on all entries.

  • All entries can be sent by post or hand delivered to: Dark Skies Writing Competition, Exmoor National Park Authority, Exmoor House, Dulverton TA22 9HL or emailed to ruralenterprise@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
  • Please ensure name, address, age and contact details are included on all entries.
  • We regret the Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) are unable to return any stories.
  • ENPA will reserve the rights to print/publish any stories with name and age.
  • Exmoor National Park Authority employees' families are ineligible to participate
  • The word limits of 500 words (11 and under) and 1000 words (12-16s) must be adhered to.
  • The closing date for entries is Friday 1st November 2024. Any received after the closing date may not be included within the competition.
  • Winners will be notified by Friday 16th November and their names, age and stories will be announced via social media, press release and added to the ENPA website.
  • The school’s prize is only available to schools within Devon and Somerset. It is for one workshop for up to 35 children by an Exmoor National Park Learning and Engagement Officer. (Date to be arranged).