Poems penned by pupils from South Walney Junior School to celebrate the natural beauty of their island are now on display.

The work is part of the school’s Lost Words of Walney project, a compilation of poetry and watercolour illustrations to celebrate the unique wildlife and plants of the island.

(Image: SCMAT)(Image: SCMAT)

It was created by Year 6 pupils at the school on Amphitrite Street under the guidance of deputy headteacher Michelle Banks.

This is the third edition after the project first started in lockdown when children were confined to the local area.

(Image: SCMAT) (Image: SCMAT)

It was inspired by The Lost Words by best-selling author Robert Macfarlane, who wonders at the natural world through spell poems and illustrations by artist Jackie Morris.

The book includes poems about grey seals, oysters, the ringed plover, egrets, shelducks, Walney geranium, viper’s bugloss and protected natterjack toads.

(Image: SCMAT) (Image: SCMAT)

Artist Hannah Willetts helped the children with their watercolours.

Following its publication, Mr Macfarlane took to social media platform X and said: “What magic you make together with the children Mrs Banks. This is so beautiful to see; the attention, imagination and creativity is thrilling.”

(Image: SCMAT) (Image: SCMAT)

Mrs Banks said there is now an after-school club for Lost Words of Walney which was so popular it had to be split into two groups.

She said: “The work is a wonderful legacy from the previous Year 6 that will help to inspire pupils with this year’s project.”

She thanked the Youth Offending Team and Ellen Bromley for working with them on the installation.