A poetry competition has drawn inspiration from the landscapes and stories that shape us.
The second annual Ashdown Forest Poetry Competition attracted 348 entries from across the globe, all responding to the theme of ‘connections’.
Organised in partnership with writers and poets Kathryn Aalto and Fiona Sampson, The Ashdown Forest Foundation, and with support from The Royal Literary Fund, the competition invited poets to explore personal and natural bonds through verse.
Niamh Mahoney, visitor experience and volunteer development manager at Ashdown Forest, said: "We would like to thank all those who participated in the competition and are proud to have fostered creativity and international engagement with the Forest and its conservation mission, evidenced in the 348 submissions received from across the globe.
"This historic and ecologically significant heathland continues to inspire both budding conservationists and creatives, and we hope it continues to do so for many generations to come."
The competition featured two categories.
Khudeeja Begum won the teenage category (ages 13–18) for her poem Threaded Through the Quiet, and Vanessa Lampert took the adult title for For the Other.
Ms Aalto said: "I was delighted to be asked to judge the Ashdown Forest’s poetry competition again this year and would like to offer my congratulations to the two worthy winners.
"What impressed me most was how differently people expressed what connection meant – from bonds between people and nature to those between memory and place, or even the intimate, unseen threads that tie us to each other."
She said: "It was a pleasure to be involved with the poetry competition as a representative of the Royal Literary Fund, and to help decide the two deserving winners."
Edward Kemp, chief executive of the Royal Literary Fund, emphasised the value of the competition in spotlighting emerging talent.
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He said: "We are delighted to be partnering with Ashdown on this poetry competition to help bring attention to some of the talented poets, both young and old, across the UK.
"The judges have done a fantastic job in selecting such deserving winners, and we pass on our congratulations to both Khudeeja Begum and Vanessa Lampert."
Robin St. Clair Jones, chair of The Ashdown Forest Foundation, said the competition’s theme resonated deeply with those who care for the forest.
He said: "This year's competition theme, ‘Connections,’ truly resonated with all of us who volunteer to support Ashdown Forest.
"The Ashdown Forest Foundation is proud to support this growing event for the second year.
"The poems from both finalists particularly resonated with me, and it is wonderful that this very special place can inspire so many people to put pen to paper and create something so beautiful."
Ashdown Forest, known for its rare lowland heath, ancient woodland, and far-reaching views, continues to inspire creative expression while highlighting the importance of conservation.
For more information about this year’s judges or to read the winning poems, visit the Ashdown Forest website.
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