Launching The Wild Light Magazine

Welcome to The Cool Animal Blog, where we'll now be hosting a new magazine series - featuring local-led stories, wildlife photography and quizzes, designed for those living in Warwickshire - particularly Lighthorne.

We began engaging with the group, Nature of Upper Lighthorne, where a number of nature and wildlife enthusiasts expressed their interest in supporting us with putting together The Wild Light Magazine. There will be opportunities to access the 12-page printed issues in the future (while we work out the logistics), but for now - this will be website-based until we gather numbers and submissions.

If you're interested in receiving a physical copy or an email copy, please email thecoolanimalblog@gmail.com

Here's a little overview of our upcoming features that we're looking to produce across the next few months - these are of course flexible if you have certain topics you'd like to submit. The 2026 Future Features pack will be available in December 2025.

2025 Topics

October

• Red Kites

• Buzzards

• Conservation adventures - ecology expert series

• Top 5 wildlife areas to visit in Warwickshire

• Photographers of the week

• Marsh Harriers

• Ads and quizzes

November

• Charlecote Deer Watching

• Bats

• Winter Botanical

• Photographers of the week

• Butterfly Conservation in Stratford

• Ads and quizzes

December

• Robin Red-Breasts

• Christmas feature

• Photographer of the week

• New Year's Nature Resolutions

• The Christmas Wishlist

• Gardening Calendar 2026

• Christmas Nature DIYs

• Christmas Crossword, Quizzes and Ads

Get involved - Photographer of the Week

If you'd like to submit an image for our upcoming editions, please email thecoolanimalblog@gmail.com with you high-resolution images, a short paragraph on what the subject is, your equipment and where you were when this was taken. Please also include your name.

Submit your written features or stories

If you're an aspiring writer, or even enjoy sharing stories related to our topics (or even a news story of unrelated to the listed topics that you'd like to put out there), please email thecoolanimalblog@gmail.com with the title 'The Wild Light Submission'. Our word limit is 400 words - features with images have a higher likelihood of published.

If you don't want to write, but have a story you'd like to share - we're happy to have an interview with you so that we can write it for you in interview format. Terms and Conditions are available here:

Aged 16 or Under?

That’s awesome — just make sure an adult sends in your entry and includes their contact details.

📷 Photo Guidelines

• All photos must be your own original work — no copying, downloading, or previously awarded images.

• Images must have been taken within the last year.

• You can enter up to three photos.

Animal Welfare

We care deeply about wildlife and their wellbeing.

• Photos of captive animals, distressed wildlife, or pets won’t be accepted.

• If a photo appears to have been taken in a way that disturbed or upset the animal, your entry will be disqualified.

Keep It Real

We want to see the world as you saw it.

• Avoid extreme editing — no intense filters or over-manipulation.

• Don’t add borders, watermarks, or signatures.

• If your photo wins, we may ask for the original, unedited file.

Technical Tips

• Upload the highest-resolution version of your photo that your device and internet connection will allow.

• Sharp, clear images help your work stand out!

How Your Photos Might Be Used

By submitting, you're giving us permission to use your photos to support and promote wildlife awareness. For example:

• We might feature them on our social media, website, blog, or printed materials.

• They could also be included in press materials or educational resources.

You’ll always be credited, but please note that we can't offer payment for image use. Your photos will never be sold to third parties.

🔒 Your Privacy Matters

We respect your privacy. Your details will be kept secure and won’t be shared or sold to anyone else.

Ready to share your wildest shots? Get snapping — and good luck! 🦉📸

Happy Wild Lighting!

Nat from The Cool Animal Blog