The celebrated ancient forests and wetlands of Belarus are now more easily accessible after the relaxation of visa restrictions.

Belarus is one of the least developed countries in Europe and a paradise for naturalists. The country is home to tracts of primeval forest that once stretched across the European Plain and with many lakes, meadows and waterways this sparsely populated land supports such iconic mammal species as Bison, Elk, Wolf, Lynx, Wild Boar and Beaver.

Chris Collins travelled on our Kazakhstan birdwatching tour and submitted this entry to our writing competition.

Jan Briggs travelled on our 'India - Tiger Direct' holiday and submitted this entry to our 2018 writing competition.

Anne Balfour travelled on one of our holidays in The Galapagos and submitted this entry to our writing competition.

Dorril Polley travelled on our 'Uganda - Mammals and Mountains' holiday and submitted this entry to our 2018 writing competition.