We are proud to partner with the Conservators of Ashdown Forest and Siân Thomas, Ashdown Forest’s poet in residence, on a new poetry competition.
This year (2024) commemorates 100 years since the publication of A. A. Milne’s book of poetry, When We Were Very Young, which first introduced Christopher Robin and his teddy bear to the world.
Ashdown Forest was the inspiration for the home of Pooh and his friends. With a category for adults and teenagers, this summer presents a perfect opportunity to get outside and see how the Forest inspires you! Perhaps our summer visitors, the Nightjars and Dartford Warblers, will assist you with their own lyrical talents.
As long as time on the Forest helps to inspire your writing, your poem can be about anything from friends, the natural world, or something totally unrelated. If you are a regular visitor and writer, please also feel free to dust off an old favourite and submit that instead.
The winner will see their poem published on the Ashdown Forest website and here on the Foundation’s website.
The closing date for applications is 31st August 2024, at 11.59pm (GMT). Winners of each category will be announced on 30th September 2024.
Whether you are searching for a project to support an educational course, or for a way to publicise your work as a budding or confident poet, this competition is for you!
Full details of the Conditions of Entry and how to complete your online submission are available on the Ashdown Forest website here.
More information about your poem’s length, format, and other guidance is available through this page. Please note that we do not accept submissions by post. Entry to this competition is free of charge.
We look forward to receiving your submissions!