POEM FOREST is a free nature writing prize that literally breathes life back into the natural world that sustains us.
Created by Red Room Poetry, in partnership with The Australian Botanic Garden, POEM FOREST deepens our connection with nature by inviting students and communities to create and publish poems inspired by the natural environment. For every poem received a tree will be planted at Mount Annan to help heal habitats and create a POEM FOREST for future generations. Our goal is to cultivate the creation and planting of 10,000 poem trees in three years!
Categories of entry
- Lower primary (F–Year 3)
- Upper primary (Years 4–6)
- Lower secondary (Years 7–9)
- Upper secondary (Years 10–12)
- Threatened Species (F–12)
- Accredited Teacher (All ages)
- Australian Botanic Gardens prize (F–12)
Prizes
Prizes will be awarded to the best poem in each category and all submissions are published on the Red Room Poetry website. A special tour of the Gardens will also be awarded by The Australian Botanic Gardens for local entrants. Prizes include:
- $500 cash
- Book packs valued at $100
- Winning certificates
Prizes generously provided by Magabala Books.
Judges
In its inaugural year, we're thrilled to welcome author of Dark Emu, Bruce Pascoe, internationally best-selling author, Holly Ringland, conservation scientist Dr Cathy Offord and award-winning poet Solli Raphael as judges of the POEM FOREST competition.