Thanks for your interest in taking part in Defend and Defy, an evening of poetry and stories about efforts to preserve and protect the other than human world, with a focus on Twyford Down in Winchester where part of the South Downs was carved out to make way for the M3, destroying a section of wildlife habitat.

We are looking to commission four Solent-based writers with a passion for the environment to produce a piece of writing, no longer than two sides of A4 (approx. 7 minutes reading time) to share in front of an audience on Wednesday 28th May, as support for the evening's main guests, Emma Must and Helen Beynon.

In particular, we'd like to hear stories that raise the profile of the 'other-than-human' world; stories of active hope; stories that celebrate the world of which we are part. There's plenty of awareness around the negative aspects of climate change and environmental destruction, and it isn't to be denied, yet there are positive elements to the ongoing narrative around being agents of change, be this in celebrating aspects of natural habitat and the creatures that dwell there, or through considering ways in which human behaviour can have a more positive impact.

Each selected writer will receive £50 for their contribution, inclusive of any travel. Please make sure you have availability to attend.

If you'd like to apply for this opportunity, please fill out the form below by Tuesday 29th April: 0900 and we'll be in touch as soon as possible.