Poems inspired by the life and works of internationally acclaimed poet, author and activist Benjamin Zephaniah are set to take over Birmingham Botanical Gardens this spring.
From Monday 2 March, visitors will not only be able to read all 18 winning poems from Birmingham City University’s 2025 Benjamin Zephaniah Future Writers competition but also listen to them being recited – bringing each piece vividly to life.
Qian Zephaniah, Benjamin’s wife, said: “Benjamin believed that poetry should live and breathe in the world, not sit quietly on shelves.
“So, to have these voices – inspired by his work – echoing through the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, where he loved to walk and think, feels like coming home.”
Thousands of young and emerging writers from across the UK entered the second annual Future Writers competition, submitting poems inspired by Zephaniah’s book Nature Trail.
The winning entries, which will be dotted around the Gardens until 17 May 2026, explore themes rooted in the natural world – from environmental responsibility and caring for the planet, to the everyday spaces people inhabit, and the powerful role nature plays in shaping lives.
Birmingham-born Zephaniah, known for his passionate advocacy for social justice, equality and the environment, died in 2023 aged 63.
Reflecting on the power of the Future Writers competition to carry Benjamin’s legacy forward, Qian added: “To every young poet who entered: you kept his spirit alive.
“To every winner: your words now bloom where his once did.
“To everyone who visits: let these poems remind you that nature nurtures us, and that poetry – like a garden – grows best when it’s shared.
“Keep writing. Keep growing. Keep making the world more beautiful with your words.”
The project forms part of an ongoing strategic partnership between the Birmingham Botanical Gardens (BBG) and Birmingham City University (BCU).
“We’re thrilled that Birmingham Botanical Gardens are showcasing new poetry voices from Birmingham,” said Jen Ridding, Head of Engagement and Learning at BBG.
“The Gardens are the perfect setting for the trail – around every corner is a poem to discover whilst enjoying our amazing global plant collection, listening to the birds and breathing in fresh air. It’s the ideal place for reflection, contemplation and inspiration.
“This is another example of the exciting, innovative projects that are part of our strategic partnership with BCU which promotes the benefits of plants on people, places, and the planet through research, education and community engagement.
“We hope the Future Writers trail inspires all writers and creatives in the city to connect with the Gardens, connect with the outdoors, and celebrate the beauty of the natural world around us.”
Professor Hanifa Shah, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Enterprise, Engagement and STEAM at BCU, said: “Benjamin Zephaniah was not only one of Birmingham’s most celebrated literary voices, but also a passionate advocate for young people, creativity and social change.
“This collaboration with Birmingham Botanical Gardens reflects our shared commitment to connecting people, place and planet – and to creating opportunities for emerging writers to see, hear and share their work in a truly meaningful public setting. It is a powerful way to honour Benjamin’s legacy while nurturing the creative talent of the future.”
As BBG’s Strategic Learning Partner, BCU works to promote community engagement and outreach while strengthening student learning and research across the creative industries.
The collaboration also explores knowledge exchange opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students.