To honour one of Birmingham’s greatest writers, BCU launched the Benjamin Zephaniah Future Writers competition—asking adults and children to submit their poems around a theme, this year centred on the environment (inspired by Benjamin Zephaniah’s own poem ‘Nature Trail’).
Thousands of writers from across the UK entered the second annual Future Writers competition—from seven-year-olds to 77+—and now, you can not only read all 18 winning poems but listen to them being recited at Birmingham Botanical Gardens until May 17, 2026.
“Benjamin believed that poetry should live and breathe in the world, not sit quietly on shelves,” said Qian Zephaniah, Benjamin’s wife. “So, to have these voices – inspired by his work – echoing through the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, where he loved to walk and think, feels like coming home.”
The winning entries are dotted around the Gardens and explore themes rooted in the natural world—from environmental responsibility and caring for the planet, to the everyday spaces people inhabit, and the powerful role nature plays in shaping lives.
Qian added, “To every young poet who entered: you kept his spirit alive. To every winner: your words now bloom where his once did. To everyone who visits: let these poems remind you that nature nurtures us, and that poetry – like a garden – grows best when it’s shared. Keep writing. Keep growing. Keep making the world more beautiful with your words.”
Handsworth-born Zephaniah, who died in 2023 aged 63, was known for his passionate advocacy for social justice, equality and the environment. The project forms part of an ongoing strategic partnership between the Birmingham Botanical Gardens (BBG) and Birmingham City University (BCU).
“We’re thrilled that Birmingham Botanical Gardens are showcasing new poetry voices from Birmingham,” said Jen Ridding, Head of Engagement and Learning at BBG. “The Gardens are the perfect setting for the trail. Around every corner is a poem to discover whilst enjoying our amazing global plant collection, listening to the birds and breathing in fresh air. It’s the ideal place for reflection, contemplation and inspiration.
“This is another example of the exciting, innovative projects that are part of our strategic partnership with BCU, which promotes the benefits of plants on people, places, and the planet through research, education and community engagement. We hope the Future Writers trail inspires all writers and creatives in the city to connect with the Gardens, connect with the outdoors, and celebrate the beauty of the natural world around us.”