
Get wild with poetry
22nd April 2020
The competition is part of our Wild Days online programme of indoor/outdoor learning activities, which aims to support families in lockdown.
Earthwatch ambassador and head competition judge, Michaela Strachan, launched the competition by reading her Wildlife A-Z poem and entrants will have a chance to win a signed copy of her childrens book, Michaela Strachans Really Wild Adventures.
Michaela adds, This lockdown is, without doubt, challenging for many kids. But what I have noticed, is that it’s brought out the creative side as well as an appreciation for any outdoor space kids have access to. This poetry competition is a great way to use that creativity and connection with the natural world. I think we’re going to be really impressed with what they all come up with.
Other prizes include signed copies of Nick Bakers Bug Book, the author is also an ambassador and has presented content for the Wild Days programme. Plus, Diary of a Naturalist by Dara McAnulty and Get Your Boots On by Alex White, both teenage naturalists, as well as wildflower seeds packets and mini-nature kits. Field guidebooks from Princeton University Presss WildGuide series will also be prizes, encouraging families to explore and engage with nature again when the lockdown is over.
There will be four categories: for children aged 4 to 7; aged 8 to 11; aged 12 to 16; and for schools. The competition is open to all those who wish to take part, whether or not they are current subscribers of the Wild Days programme.
Sarah Staunton-Lamb, our Senior Engagement Manager, comments: Were going through a very emotional time, locked away from many daily routines, friends and family, but also feeling the power of the natural world like never before. Poetry is a great outlet for expression, and we hope this competition encourages children to express their feelings and capture our connection with nature as we go through this exceptional time.
Schools can also collectively take part and are invited to run the competition amongst pupils and then submit their top five poems. Schools will have the opportunity to win an Earthwatch Naturehood learning box which is filled with outdoor learning resources including games, activities, books and equipment.
Poems can be entered via the online entry form on the Wild Days website.
Entries will be judged by the charitys four ambassadors, Michaela Strachan; Nick Baker; plus Mya-Rose Craig, the worlds top teen birder aka Twitters @BirdgirlUK who has 14.6K online followers; and Bella Lack, 17-year-old conservationist and blogger with 150K followers.
Poems will also be celebrated each week as part of the Friday Fanfare which will share the best poems submitted on social media and as part of the Wild Days newsletter.