Poetry Competition

AGES 11-18

Thank you to all those who entered the FSC UK Poetry Competition.

The judges were so pleased with two of the entries that it was decided to award first prize to both Laurel Quinn, aged 13 from Sheffield, and Sian Mclellan, aged 11 from Swindon.  Both girls will receive £50 worth of vouchers from Marks & Spencer

Rosie Teasdale, FSC UK’s Marketing Officer said “We were delighted with the poems by Laurel and Sian and could not choose between them.  Sian’s acrostic poem, using the FSC acronym, is short and catchy, lending itself to use in promotional material.  Laurel’s longer poem, following the progress of a chestnut tree to highlight the importance of the FSC’s work, was clearly fully researched and very well written.  We would like to thank Marks and Spencer, Egmont UK and Fair Deal Trading Ltd for donating the prizes and all those who entered the competition.  We would also like to offer our congratulations to the winners.”

Prizes were also awarded to Frances Munnally, aged 11, and Caitlin Sneddon, aged 13, for their poems.

Forests are terrific 

By Sian Mclellan, age 11 

F orests are terrific

S pooky and endearing

C hoose the tick-tree logo, to stop them disappearing.

The FSC – the one for me
By Laurel Quinn, age 13

The autumnal winds are blowing, the golden leaves fall down,
The squirrels hop from branch to branch, knocking chestnuts to the ground.

One little chestnut, hard and brown, falls down upon the leaves,
It is buried by the winter rain, away from magpie thieves.

The tree’s one hope of growth, lies unseen in the mud,
But when spring shows its welcome face, it bursts into bud.

Alone in the soft damp earth, the little plant pokes out its shoot,
As summer passes, it grows big, but doesn’t yet bear fruit.

The long years pass around the clock, the Seasons come and go,
That tiny bud grows strong and large, sees heat waves, hail and snow.

The years are into dozens, many secrets this tree has held,
It stays on, proud and straight, while many woods are felled.

Not many forests are so lucky, they can’t be enjoyed by everyone,
The FSC wants trees to live this long, to see through rain and sun.

The woodland is home to many things… plants, animals and birds.
It is home to people’s lives and rights; these aren’t just empty words.

The FSC protects these trees, only cuts down woods when needed,
Look out for their logo on your goods, and help more trees be seeded.

This symbol isn’t just on furniture; it’s on decking, floors and walls.
Found on paper, charcoal, kitchen tools, even venison and footballs!

So show your support in forests near; it’s up to you and me.
Do you really want no woodland left? Please help the FSC!
 

Runners Up

Look for the Tick with the Tree
By Caitlin Sneddon, Age 13

Whenever you’re shopping, or looking for wood,
Check that it’s from FSC.
If there’s the sign, the wood simply divine.
So look for the tick with the tree.

The woodland is perfect for creatures and plants,
The woodland of FSC.
No need for frustration, there’s regeneration.
So look for the tick with the tree.

If you’re not into wood stuff and trees,
Don’t abandon FSC.
They make decking and paper and footballs and more!!
So look for the tick with the tree.

Look for the sign FSC
By Frances Munnally, age 11

If you want a brighter future
It’s as easy as can be !
When you buy anything wooden
Look for the sign, F.S.C.

F.S.C. is a sign
That everyone should cherish
It shows that nature, forests et al
Are safe, and will not perish

So Look Out ! folks, please ensure
When you go to buy,
F.S.C. is the mark you choose
We don’t want our planet to die !