You probably wouldn’t expect a Cumbrian nursery to be behind a national poetry competition, but that is how Weasdale Nurseries have decided to mark their 60^th anniversary; they specialise in hardy trees and shrubs, so appropriately enough, they have decided to celebrate the tree.

The judging panel includes Alston’s shepherd poet – Josephine Dickinson, and Poet-in-Residence at Dove Cottage – Emma Jones.

Writers may enter up to three poems of up to 40 lines, based on the broad theme of ‘The Tree’, and every entry generates a 50p donation to The Wordsworth Trust. The poems must be original work and not previously have been published. The first prize in the adult section is £200, and there are three categories – Adult, Intermediate (age 12-18), and Junior. Winners and runners-up will also receive a book from poetry publisher Bloodaxe, with ‘Staying Alive: real poems for unreal times’ going to the winner of the adult class. It costs £3.50 per poem entered in to the adult category, and £1.50 per poem for the Intermediate and Juniors. The submission deadline is Saturday, 22^nd May, 2010.

You can find full details including how they would like your poem presented, all prizes and entry fees, and a downloadable entry form at:

www.weasdale.com