Young Dorset Writers Invited to Enter Nature-Themed Competition Judged by Local Author

Budding young writers across Dorset are being encouraged to take part in a flash fiction competition with a nature twist, judged by acclaimed children’s author Sarah Lean. 

The award-winning children’s author will lend her expertise to young writers this spring as she judges the competition, hosted by the CRT.

Open to primary and secondary school students across Dorset, the competition invites children to write a 50-word story, poem, or opinion piece on the theme of invasive species.  

 Winners will receive a free place at a CRT event at Bere Marsh Farm, near Shillingstone, and have their work published on the charity’s national website.

Author Sarah Lean

Sarah Lean, whose books include The Good Bear and A Dog Called Homeless, said: “It is an absolute pleasure to be judging the Flash Fiction Competition as it puts two things together that are dear to my heart - nature and writing.  

“The wonderful thing about writing is that it calls for us to look closely, and that kind of detailed observation puts us very much in touch with our heart. Having time to stand and stare allows us to pause, be still, and let new information in through our senses. More and more young people need to find an engagement with nature and writing is a perfect medium in which to grow their interest and find how they are connected to the world around them, and what is needed from us.  

“Condensing a nature observation into 50 words is both an enriching endeavour as well is a challenge! I am very much looking forward to reading the finished pieces. Good luck to all the children entering the competition.” 

Charlotte Weatherley, Estate and Community Officer at Bere Marsh Farm, explained the inspiration behind the theme: 

“We chose the theme of invasive species because May is when they start to appear more prominently at Bere Marsh Farm. Sweet-smelling but poisonous, Hemlock Water Dropwort creeps into our ditches, and Himalayan Balsam—though loved by bees—disrupts the delicate ecological balance. 

“We’re looking forward to reading the creative responses from Dorset’s young writers! With half term coming up, it’s the perfect opportunity for children to sit down and write a short piece for our competition. 

Deadline for entries, hand-written or typed, is 6th June 2025. 

Junior Competiton 7-11 years  

Senior Competition 12-18 years 

 Please send entries to [email protected] or drop them into the Bere Marsh Farm office, Shillingstone DT11 0QY. 

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