Young nature writers recognised for Biosphere adventures

The winners of a competition that encourages young people to explore their Biosphere and write about the nature on their doorstep have been unveiled.

The Young Nature Writer competition invited budding nature enthusiasts to write and illustrate their observations of the natural world over the summer.

The competition was held in partnership with Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT), Manx Ornithological Society (MOS) and the Isle of Man Examiner.

Eight-year-old Kayleigh Cannon's account of a summer day at Scarlett that included a hand-drawn map earned her The Young Nature Writer 2023 title and prize, a locally hand-made trophy, family membership of Manx Wildlife Trust and a MWT goody bag.

Young Nature Writer 2023 Kayeigh Cannon with, from left, Rob Fisher of MOS, Graham Makepeace-Warne of MWT, Dr Michelle Haywood MHK and Dr Richard Selman of DEFA

10-year-old Delta Baptist's descriptive account of a boat trip to the Calf of Man bird observatory earned her the 'Best Bird' winner, binoculars and a bird book from the Manx Ornithological Society.

Austin Rogerson's tale of a gull stealing his chips, which carried a serious message about the importance of birds, was also commended by judges as the runner-up in the 'Best Bird' entry. He won a bird book.

Runners-up Liam Cannon, 11, Poppy Christian, 8, and River Kelly Brown, 12, received MWT goody bags.

Earlier this year, Liz Bonnin, TV wildlife presenter and President of The Wildlife Trusts - championed the competition, describing the Isle of Man as an 'extraordinary Biosphere, full of wonderful wildlife.'

Liz encouraged young people to explore while writing about their favourite animal, insect, or plant species on their adventures.

Dr Michelle Haywood MHK, political member for environment with the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, who helped to judge this year's entries, said: 'Connecting people with nature and encouraging them to understand it, enjoy it, and take care of it, is a major role of a UNESCO Biosphere. Congratulations to all the winners, but everyone that took part and wondered at the natural world is a winner for me.'

Prizes were presented by Dr Michelle Haywood MHK, Member for Environment in the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture and chair of the judges, at MWT Headquarters and gift shop in Peel.

All prize winning entries will appear in the Isle of Man Examiner and in MWT’s Manx Nature magazine. You can also read them here.

The 2024 competition will launch in the spring.

Main photo: the prize winners with Rob Fisher of MOS, Graham Makepeace-Warne of MWT, Dr Michelle Haywood MHK and Dr Richard Selman of DEFA