The Rosemary McLeish Poetry Prize 2026 opens for entries shortly

UK-based poets will have the chance to win up to £600 and an original piece of art by the late Rosemary McLeish, by entering the prize for eco-poetry that bears her name. 

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The Rosemary McLeish Poetry Prize was won in its first year with a poem by Sue Proffitt, based in South Devon for 'Owl Pellet at Grey Wethers', 

the poem takes its name from the Grey Wethers, a famous pair of ancient Neolithic stone circles located on Dartmoor in Devon. The poem beautifully contrasts the ancient, enduring landscape of the moors with the fleeting and intricate cycles of nature, specifically examining the regurgitated remains left behind by hunting owls. (Hear Sue reading the poem on her website.) 

 

Its second year of running with a poem by Margate-based Connor Sansby for 'Marine Snow'.  The poem blends coastal/marine imagery with themes of light, decay, and transformation and is featured in Sansby's second full-length poetry collection, Where the Land Forgets Itself. (Buy Connor's book here.)

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The prize which is for eco-poetry, this year will have the topic of 'River', to be interpreted as broadly as you wish.

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The prize will be open for entries from 20/06/26-12/09/26. Entry fee is £4 per poem. 

First prize is £600 plus original artwork

Second prize is £300

Third prize is £150. 

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The award ceremony will be part of an evening celebrating Rosemary's life during Medway River Lit in November. 

 

Full terms and conditions can be found here.  ​​​