Wildlife inspires award-winning young poet

by Earth Trust

7th October 2021

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Nature has inspired many artists and poets – Wittenham Clumps even had its very own Poem Tree.

But this year it’s the turn of 11-year-old Charlie Burnand, who was inspired by Earth Trust’s efforts to increase wildlife near Dorchester. Charlie grew up nearby, but recently saw some of the local wildlife suffering under a new landowner. Watching the creation of Earth Trust’s River of Life wetlands project he and his family have been able to enjoy the area again and see wildlife flourish once more.

Read Charlie’s winning entry, Parallel lives.

Charlie often writes poems about the places he visits, and with this year’s theme of rewilding it was the perfect story to tell for the Young Wild Writer Competition by Hen Harrier Day. Charlie won his age category before going on to win the whole competition, and his poem was read out by Cressida Cowell, the Children’s Laureate:

This National Poetry Day, Charlie reflects on why he enjoys writing poetry, what moves him to put pen to paper, and what it meant to win with a poem about a place that means so much to him:

“These spaces have been inspiring people for thousands of years, and Charlie’s poem really connects people today with nature. He very eloquently expresses how special natural green spaces are to us all and how important projects like these are. Thank you Charlie!”
Abi Morris, Visitor Experience and Interpretation Manager

Read more about our River of Life I and River of Life II projects and how they support greater biodiversity.

 

Featured image and video interview with Charlie: Burst Design
With thanks to Cressida Cowell for the reading of Charlie’s poem.

 

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