THE THEME FOR 2025/26 IS 'EXTINCTION'

The Golden Toad (Bufo periglenes) is an extinct species of true toad that was once abundant in a small, high-altitude region north of the city of Monteverde, Costa Rica. The disappearance of huge numbers of species from our planet is just one of many aspects of our theme, which can be explored in any way you choose, for example by looking at the disappearance of land due to climate change, the permanent loss of a language or the attempted 'cleansing' of a whole people through genocide. Please go to our page on extinction for a few images and links.

The competition is free and is open to everyone, of any age, anywhere in the world. It is not essential to be connected with a school or college. 

All shortlisted entrants will be invited to a celebration event, and winning poems will be published on this website.

Maximum of two entries per person, each no longer than forty lines, previously unpublished in print or online.

There are three categories - adult, primary and secondary. Collective as well as individual entries are welcomed. 

Entries must be digital, preferably in WORD, and should not include the poet's name or address. Handwritten or illustrated poems are welcome, but must be emailed in scanned versions.

The date of our gala celebration will be announced in Autumn, 2025.

Deadline is midnight on Saturday 31 January 2026.

Include your name and school or home address only in the body of your email, with the titles of the poems. Address is [email protected]