International Vulture Awareness Day Literary Competition

Calling all budding writers and poets!

Does the vulture crisis concern you? Does it stir up emotions when you think about vultures and the problems they face? Then, we want to hear from you.

To celebrate International Vulture Awareness Day 2018, we are running a literary competition because we want to hear how you feel about vultures, through short stories, creative writing and poetry. Your entry can focus on any element you wish relating to vultures. So, what is it about vultures that rouses the inner writer or poet in you? Is it their behaviour and looks, or their reputation that fascinates you? Maybe it is the terrible threats that affect them and are causing rapid population declines? Or, are you just inspired by our conservation and research work that you have learnt about and supported by being a visitor to the Trust?

This competition is open to all, with categories for both juniors and adults. The winning entrant from each category will win a vulture adoption, plus they’ll have an opportunity to meet our Hooded Vultures!

Entries will be judged by our resident vulture brain, Dr Campbell Murn, and inspiration to the next generation, Miriam Nicholls. Interested in entering? Here’s what you need to know:

1. Creative writing pieces should be limited to one side of A4 and can include drawings if you wish, though judges will be focusing on the content of your writing.
2. All entries in the junior category (for those aged 16 and under) should include your name and age.
3. All entries to the adult category should include your name and that you are entering the adult category.
4. Please send entries to info@vultureday.org or International Vulture Awareness Day, Hawk Conservancy Trust, Sarson Lane, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8DY.
5. Entries must be received by midnight on Sunday 16 September 2018.
6. All entries must include contact details and whether you are happy for your work and name to be published should you be selected as the winner.
7. You may submit as many entries as you like.

Vultures inspire us to work harder and do all that we can to help them. We would love to hear how you feel about vultures; we are excited to see what creativity these incredible birds provoke in you.