SUNDAY NOVEMBER 30TH – Modron & Poetry Wales CelebraTE New Poets

Join us on Sunday, November 30th, 2.30pm at Cegin Diod in Llandeilo for an afternoon of poetry featuring new Welsh writers, including Abeer Ameer and Rhiannon Fielder-Hobbs. The event promotes new voices and themes of grief and hope. Enjoy a networking session beforehand, with proceeds supporting local writers and Noisy Newt Books.

Interview with Ruth Padel

Modron returns with an exclusive interview featuring renowned poet Ruth Padel, celebrated for her diverse literary contributions and deep connection to nature. In a conversation facilitated by Taz Rahman and Just Another Poet, Padel discusses her creative process and inspirations. This interview appeals to poetry and nature enthusiasts alike.

MODRON MAGAZINE CELEBRATES FORWARD PRIZE SHORTLIST FOR POEM BY WELSH POET ABEER AMEER

We are proud to announce that one of the writers featured in our pages, Abeer Ameer, has been shortlisted for the 2025 Forward Prize for Best Single Poem. This is for her powerful work ‘At Least,’ which addresses the genocide in Palestine. Ameer, who writes about trauma and exile, reflects on the sanitized language of Western media. Here at MODRON, we emphasize the importance of publishing impactful writing in times of ecological crisis.

The More Than Human Perspective in Environmental Poetry: A Poem and Interview with Hilary Watson

This interview features poet Hilary Watson discussing her creative process influenced by her interactions with insects. She addresses human perceptions of disgust and superiority over these creatures, emphasizing their collective nature. Watson explores the power of line breaks in poetry while advocating for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the more-than-human world.

Course: ‘Writing the Environment’ / Cwrs: Ysgrifennu’r Amgylchedd

‘Writing the Environment’ is a 6-week writing course focusing on nature and environmental writing. Participants will explore various forms, including poetry, essays, and folklore, guided by Kaja Brown. The course welcomes underrepresented communities, is beginner-friendly, and aims to inspire writing about the environment. Early bird tickets are £15.

Earth Day 2025: Video, Poetry and Prose Special

This Earth Day, we have brought together films, interviews, poems, essays and, perhaps importantly, manifestos. When environmental protections are being rolled back, when the temperature is more than 1.5°C above the pre-industrial era, when genocide continues without intervention, when wars rage around the globe weaponized by Western arms dealers, when people are deported to foreign prisons without trial, when those traditionally marginalized within our communities are targeted more than ever... —yes, it's time to declare our aims, motivations and intentions. It's a time for manifestos to imagine new ways of being in the world.

A shot from above of Kenfig Dunes

Earth Day 2025: A New Film by Modron & Coal Poet

For Earth Day 2025, a film titled The Dunes, funded by the Books Council of Wales, is here released. It follows a neurodivergent teenager seeking refuge in the neglected dunes of Glamorgan. The film explores the connection between place and identity amidst societal challenges, highlighting themes of belonging and ecological crisis.

A lane with a wildfire burning in teh distance

Plots & Plants: John Freeman explores bridle paths and wildfires in south Wales

Welcome back to our "Plots and Plants" series on personal connections to place. This week, John Freeman shares a favorite walk in the Vale of Glamorgan, detailing the landscape changes due to recent weather. A nearby wildfire, unusual for March, raises concerns about climate change's impact on local environments.

A Review of Roselle Angwin’s A Spell in the Forest – by Sarah Bitter

Rosie Angwin's A Spell in the Forest blends mythology, spirituality, and creative tasks to foster a deeper connection with trees. Sarah Bitter explores the book, noting that while the interdisciplinary approach may not resonate with everyone, it invites contemplation on nature amid ecological crises. Read on to hear more about how the book encourages reverence for trees as sacred and offers insights for nurturing environmental relationships.

MODRON Issue 5: Editorial

In Issue 5 of Modron, reflections on winter storms highlight the vulnerability of nature and humanity. The editorial addresses global crises, emphasizing the importance of witnessing struggles, particularly in Palestine. It features poetry that intertwines human experience with nature, celebrating linguistic diversity and offering new translations in Welsh alongside original works.