Inspired by Squashed Toads

Julian Jones has worked for the Wildlife Trusts since 1997, the majority of that time in Radnorshire.  He became interested in Llandrindod lake in 1999 after witnessing thousands of toads trying to reach the lake and seeing hundreds of squashed toads and newts that failed to make it over the adjacent road.  After dozens of meetings and lots of cajoling and campaigning, the lake was designated a Local Nature Reserve in 2010.

In the recent Inspired by Nature writing competition Julian was one of the runners up with an article describing the changing fortunes of the lake at Llandrindod. It started off as a bog and with the arrival of the railway was re-engineered into a boating lake frequented by 80,000 visitors a year. Over the years different people had different ideas about what the lake needed. One of these in the 1950s was the farmer who thought a ton and a half of super phosphate fertiliser would improve things! Julian’s excellent article appeared in the autumn 2011 edition of Natur Cymru.

The competition is running again this winter. What we are looking for is a 1,000 word article on a subject of environmental or wildlife interest in Wales which inspires you. 1^st prize £500 cash donated by WWF. 2^nd prize a £500 place on the nature writing course at Tŷ Newydd, the national writers’ centre. Runner up prizes donated by Wildlife Trusts Wales include an overnight stay on Skomer - thank you. The competition is open to subscribers of Natur Cymru only and the closing date is 31^st March 2012. Full details at www.inspired-by-nature.org.uk

Julian on Gillian's right arm

'Fire-Fighting' wins writing competition

John Harold is the winner of the Natur Cymru Inspired by Nature writing competition sponsored by WWF Cymru and Tŷ Newydd, the national writers’ centre.

Gillian Clarke, the national poet of Wales and one of the judges, commented: ‘I gave first place to John Harold for Fire-Fighting. This was the piece from which I learned most. I enjoyed the unfolding story of fire in the heathland and mountains, its power to destroy, to regenerate. Close behind was Frances Voelcker, for her observations on the changing natural environment of Graig Goch.’

Gillian Clarke will present John Harold with the £500 cash prize at the Hay Festival on 31^st May and also present the £500 voucher for a residential course at Tŷ Newydd to Frances Voelcker.

James Robertson, editor of Natur Cymru, commented ‘The judges were unanimous in agreeing on the winners of the two prizes. Both were outstanding. First prize goes to John Harold for his original, powerful take on fire in the uplands. Second prize to Frances Voelcker, for her thoughtful, lyrical exploration of her mountain’.

Andrew Forgrave, rural affairs editor at the Daily Post and the other judge, described the two winning entries: ‘Fire-Fighting is an insider’s view of an issue that brings annual devastation to Welsh hillsides. Fire fighter or arsonist? Cleverly, the author bides his time before coming clean, and rounds off the piece nicely with some personal perspectives. Graig Goch is a lilting piece with a poetic quality. Lack of a strong narrative is off-set by some wonderful imagery and, at the finish, the writer’s bond with her subject is clearly felt. Impressive, challenging writing by a gifted wordsmith.’

Anne Meikle, Head of WWF Cymru, said: ‘WWF Cymru is delighted to have sponsored this year’s Natur Cymru writing competition. We hope reading such talented work will enthuse others into discovering the wonders of nature and some of the threats which they face.’

The equal runners up in the competition and the titles of their articles are as follows:

John Woolner    Welsh Dragon
Merlin Evans     A Little Bird Told Me
Julian Jones      Re-Wilding My Town

The winning articles will be published in the summer edition of Natur Cymru which celebrates its 10^th anniversary. Prize giving at Hay will be on the RSPB stand at 3 pm Tuesday 31st May.

ENDS

For further information please contact Huw Jenkins, Natur Cymru on 01766 590272 huw.naturcymru@btinternet.com