The search is on for two national poetry champions to raise awareness of endangered chalk streams.
Chalk streams are rivers that emerge from chalk bedrock. They have very clear water that’s rich in minerals, and attracts a wide variety of aquatic plants and fish.
The River Wandle is one of 224 chalk streams in the world. Since these rivers support such a high variety of different specifies, they have often been referred to as “England’s rainforests”.
David Attenborough described chalk streams as ‘one of the rarest habitats on Earth’, in his BBC series Wild Isles which features three chalk streams: the Avon, the Frome and the Stour.
This post contains information about the chalk stream poet competition, including details on how to take part!
Who Can Take Part
There are two competitions – one for under 18s and one for over 18s. Schools, writing groups, and individuals are all being encouraged to take part.
Panel of Judges
The panel of judges include:
- Award-winning author, Robert Macfarlane
- Senior Lecturer at Pembroke College Cambridge, Mark Wormald
- Costa Children’s Book Prize-winning children’s writer, Linda Newbery
Prize
Medals will be awarded to the two winners at a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament, hosted by Sarah Green MP.
How to Enter
If you want to take part in the competition, send your poem about chalk streams to [email protected] by 31st May 2024. You can submit as many poems as you wish.
More information can be found at chalkstreampoet.net
