Benjamin Zephaniah Future Writers Nature Trail
Botanical Gardens Birmingham
Westbourne Road, Birmingham, B15 3TR.
Free Entry for BCU Staff and Students.
Free to view with Birmingham Botanical Gardens general admission tickets for all other visitors.
Discover our new poetry trail this Spring, taking place from 2 March - 17 May.
Nestled within the Gardens are 18 beautiful poems from the winners of Birmingham City University's Benjamin Zephaniah Future Writers 2025 competition.
Thousands of emerging writers from across the UK took part in the competition and were asked to submit poems inspired by Benjamin Zephaniah's 'Nature Trail'. The winning pieces explore nature-based themes including the environment, the importance of looking after our planet, the spaces where we spend our time, and the impact of nature on everyday life.
The poems will take you on journeys from Birmingham to Barbados, forests to farms, and soil to sand! Read or listen to the winning poems on the trail. Audio recordings can be accessed via a QR code with a smartphone at each trail post.
As you discover each poem, take the time to reflect upon the impact that Benjamin Zephaniah had on our city, and these incredibly talented writers.
The trail runs until Sunday 17th May and is free for all visitors to enjoy. Trail posts are located in the glasshouses, and across the Gardens.
Forthcoming events in Exhibitions
Forthcoming dates will be announced soon.