Poetry competition for Stanpit Marsh Nature Reserve

Budding or experienced poets with an interest in nature are invited to take part in the first Stanpit Marsh Nature Reserve Haiku Competition.

Haiku is the traditional Japanese verse form consisting of three short lines of 17 or fewer syllables. Entrants will be relieved to know that their entries, which should be on the subject of Stanpit Marsh and the wildlife found there, can be in English!

This form of verse has been chosen for the Stanpit Marsh competition as it usually has some reference to nature and includes a ‘season’ word. Haiku often has two contrasting events, images or situations.

The competition is being organised by Christchurch Countryside Service and there will be three categories depending on the age of the entrant: 12 and under; 13 to 17; and 18 and over for the adult category.

The first prize in each category will be a £20 book token and the winning entries will be displayed in Stanpit Marsh Information Centre.

Haikus should be emailed, along with the poet’s name, address and age, to t.clarke@christchurch.gov.uk, to arrive no later than 31 August 2010.

Further information is available from the Countryside Service on 01425

272479.