Devon teenager's nature focus wins UK poetry prize

A Devon student has won a national writing competition for his poem about inspiring more young people to connect with nature and the landscapes on their doorsteps.

Lucas, from Churston Ferrers Grammar School, in Torbay, Devon, took part in the Young Writers UK secondary school's I Have a Dream poetry competition and came first out of 22,000 entries.

Lucas said his poem explored how people had lost touch with the natural meaning of words such as "cloud, stream, and tweet" as they have been "stolen by technology".

The 16-year-old was praised by judge Mark Grist as a "worthy first place winner" with "stunning imagery and real maturity".

Lucas said the "incredible landscapes" on his doorstep inspired him to write.

He said: "Poetry is a creative outlet for young people to let out all of these complex emotions that are natural when you are a teenager that are also heightened by climate emergency, anxiety and some nostalgias that are really common among young people."

Young Writers said the secondary school competition is for those between the ages of 11 and 18. It also runs a primary school competition.

It said The Ellen Wilkinson School For Girls, in London, came first place of the school entries as it submitted the "best overall set of entries" and won £1,000 and the Young Writers' Award of Excellence.

Lucas said of the number of entries: "Isn't it amazing to think so many young people are choosing to express their messy emotions in such a creative and beautiful way.

"All the poems in the anthology are stunning."

He said his poem followed a young girl who rediscovers the living, rooted language of nature by learning the names for trees, birds, and plants that people had "forgotten".

"By doing so she creates a bridge between words and world, and it helps her reconnect with the nature around her," Lucas added.

You can read Lucas' poem on the Young Writers website.

Lucas hoped it encouraged people to step outside, take a moment out of their busy lives and notice the living detail around them rather than reaching for their phones and scrolling.

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