The Laurel Prize 2026 shortlist has been announced!
"I have established The Laurel Prize as an annual award for the best collection of nature or environmental poetry to highlight the climate crisis and raise awareness of the challenges and potential solutions at this critical point in our planet’s life." — Simon Armitage, Poet Laureate
This year's books were selected by judges by the poets David Morley (Chair), Imtiaz Dharker, and environmental policy expert Bethan Laughlin.
Midden Witch by Fiona Benson (Jonathan Cape)
Ethnology by Cathy Galvin (Bloodaxe Books)
Natural History by Brandon Kilbourne (Graywolf Press)
Tipping Point by Jane Lovell (Night River Wood)
The Storm’s Flora by Laura Wainwright (Seren Books)
This year’s Laurel Prize winner will be announced on Friday 25 September at a special event at BBC Philharmonic Studio in Salford as part of BBC Contains Strong Language.
The ceremony will feature readings and discussion with the shortlisted poets on a panel chaired by Professor of Creative Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University, Helen Mort. The event will culminate with the live announcement of this year’s winning writer.
The full line up for the Contains Strong Language weekend can be found here.
We're delighted to be the official booksellers for Contains Strong Language once again this year. See you there!