Poetry Competition 2024-25 Winner Announced!
After receiving some truly inspiring entries and spending many enjoyable hours reading through the poems, we’re thrilled to announce the winners and Highly Commended poets from this year’s competition. The theme, ‘Empowering Earth’, sparked a wonderful variety of responses, and as in previous years, the standard was exceptionally high making the judging process a real challenge.
This year, we invited Bryony Tilsley to judge the competition. Bryony’s love for writing began in childhood, encouraged by her teachers and inspired by the stories she read. She vividly recalls buying her first poetry book at a primary school Scholastic book fair. Since then, she has enjoyed writing short stories and scripts, and is passionate about helping others discover their own writing voice. On judging the entries, Bryony said:
“It’s been a real pleasure having the opportunity to read and judge these poems. Well done to everyone who took part!”
This year’s winner is Fran Bridger with her poem “Red deer in an open field”; I’m sure you will join us in sending her many congratulations on her win! Second Prize went to Gloria Maloney for “Sunset Dining at Nature’s Table”, and Third Prize was awarded to Sue Moules for “The Earth Knows Its Power.” A huge well done to all three!
We also send warm congratulations to the following poets who received Highly Commended awards:
- Chew Lane, Gargrave, 24 April 2025 – Joshua Burge
- The Old Oak of Otley – Tim Boardmn
- Spring Blue – Jade Evans
- On the origin of light in the dark – Rachael Hill
- Mustard Lids – Lee Coleman
- By River And Beech Trees – Heather Buswell
As in previous years, the winning poems, Highly Commended entries, and a selection of other submissions have been published in our 8th Edition of Wildlife Words. The anthology is available to purchase here in our online shop.
We hope you’ll enjoy reading this inspiring collection as much as we enjoyed putting it together.
Thank you to all participated in our poetry competition this year; the funds raised will go towards our work of conserving the Barn Owls and their environment.