Natural England - How to enter

How to enter

All you have to do is read the information about each of our ten un-named species and decide what you think is the best name to describe them. See our tips below for choosing a good name. And don’t worry if you can’t think of a name for every species, just try as many as you want.

  • All entries should be submitted through the competition website at Guardian - Name a speciesexternal link.
  • How to choose a good name
  • Names can identify significant aspects of the species appearance, natural history or location or any combination of these. For example: colour, texture, shape, feeding habits, movement, favourite habitat, location where it is found.
  • Names  should be distinctive and help to inspire people to learn more about the species.
  • Names should ideally consist of two words (not including the taxonomic group name eg beetle, lichen, shrimp) A good case must be made for longer names.
  • Names do not need to be a translation of the Latin name.
  • Word play, humour and cultural references can be used in a name, where this has relevance to the species.
  • Participants are encouraged to check if their suggested names are already in use by searching on the internet before submitting entries. Try sites such as www.arkive.orgexternal link, www.eol.orgexternal link, or Googleexternal link.

Entry Conditions

  • The competition is open to United Kingdom residents of any age.
  • The judges will award a winner and a runner up for each species, as well as one overall winner for the most imaginative and evocative name.
  • Selection of the winners will be by consensus of the judges, according to how well names match the guidelines listed above.
  • The judges are: Dr Peter Brotherton (Natural England), Dr Keith Hiscock (Marine Biological Association), George Monbiot (the Guardian) and Matt Shardlow (Buglife).
  • Winning names will be announced on Monday 23 July in the Guardian.
  • We regret that we are unable to acknowledge receipt of entries.
  • The main prize is the prestige of coming up with a new name for a species – one that may be used for centuries to come! If one of your names is selected as a winner it will be announced nationally in the Guardian and on Natural England’s website. Natural England will send you a commemorative certificate.