Ashdown Forest Poetry Competition Returns With ‘Friendship’ Theme For Pooh Centenary

The Ashdown Forest Foundation has launched its 2026 poetry competition, celebrating 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh with a ‘Friendship’ theme.

Open to all ages, this year’s contest introduces a new primary school category, alongside secondary and adult groups.

The competition is free to enter and closes on 8 May.

Run in partnership with the Royal Literary Fund, the competition highlights Ashdown Forest’s link to A.A. Milne’s stories, with the area famously inspiring the Hundred Acre Wood.

Winners will be announced in June, with a special event planned in the forest in July.