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.

Carolyn and Peter Scott travelled on our 'Spitsbergen - Realm of the Polar Bearholiday and submitted their entry to our writing competition.

Penny Walker travelled on our 'Bulgaria - Flowers of the Balkans' holiday and submitted this entry to our writing competition.

Yvonne Butorac travelled on our 'Ecuador's Mammals' tour and submitted this entry to our writing competition.

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