Following another record-breaking year of entries to our Story in Nature writing competition, delivered with The Week Junior Science+Nature, we are very excited to announce this year’s winners!
This year’s stories and poems were brimming with love for nature, hope for the future and dedication to make a difference for the natural world.
The judges were blown away by the deep connections, creativity and passion on display in this year’s shortlist and making a final selection of winners was as tough as ever.
This year, our regular judges, Sara Lom (CEO, The Tree Council) and Dan Green (Editor, The Week Science + Nature) were joined by special guests – veterinarian, author and presenter, Jess French, blogger, author and speaker, Uju Asika and Young Tree Champions Ambassador Daisy Forster-Village.
There were four categories up for grabs: Poetry 11-16; Poetry – Under 11; Prose 11-16; Prose – Under 11 as well as an overall winner.
The winners
Poetry – 11-16 & overall winner
A very big congratulations to Clara (14) from London, whose poem ‘Natural Feelings’ won not just the category but was also chosen as the overall competition winner.
The judges praised Clara’s beautiful writing and creative descriptions and especially loved the personal, passionate and heartfelt tone and sense of motion throughout the piece.
Sara Lom, CEO of the The Tree Council and avid reader, said:
“Reading these young writers’ masterpieces is a highlight of my year. Clara’s piece especially stood out for me. Her deep connection with the natural world and her place in it, and the gem-like imagery flowing throughout the poem made this a magnetic read.”
Poetry – Under 11
Dexter (9) from Derbyshire won in the under 11 category for his untitled poem. Dexter’s powerful language and vivid descriptions really impressed the judges, who felt that he had created a uniquely evocative piece.
A special commendation in this category was also awarded to Theo (7) for ‘Mr Tree and the Four Seasons’.
Prose – 11-16
Sophie (12) from Herefordshire’s untitled piece took home the award for the Prose – 11-16 category. Commended by the judges for the deep and genuine connection with nature that they could feel in Sophie’s writing, they found it impactful and full of hope.
Prose – Under 11
Final congratulations go to Luke (7) from Chester for ‘How to Make Friends with Giants’. This year’s judges loved the way it provided a practical way of connecting with the nature around us, and its personal and honest tone.
The judges also awarded a special commendation in this category to Joshua (7) for his delightful ‘The Squirrel and the Hedgehog’.
We’d like to thank everyone who entered the competition for sharing their tree-filled, nature-loving stories and poems. Congratulations to our winners!
All winning, commended, and shortlisted entries are now available to read in The Story in Nature anthology, available on The Tree Council’s Young Tree Champions website.
