Residents can take part in a new ’poetry map’ of the island.

Unesco Biosphere Isle of Man, Culture Vannin and the Manx Bard are inviting the public to write poems of 16 lines about the island’s environment, wildlife, biodiversity, habitats and landscape.

They will then be selected to appear on a click and read map on Culture Vannin’s website as a lasting resource to enjoy.

The launch coincides with the Manx national poet and first Manx Bard T.E Brown’s birth date on Sunday (May 5).

A winner and three runners-up will receive hand-carved awards and their poems will appear in one of our newspapers. The deadline is July 26.

Environment Minister Geoffrey Boot MHK said: ’Unesco recognised the Isle of Man is a special place in awarding us Biosphere status.

’Our culture has shaped that and is key to telling its story, too. We invite our creative community to submit poems about their favourite places and photos of the locations that inspired them.’

James Franklin of Culture Vannin, said: ’The Isle of Man means many things to different people, but so much to all of us. The poetry map is a way for us all to celebrate all of these different aspects and places of the island that mean so much to us, and to reinforce our engagement with and appreciation of our home.’

Current Manx Bard Annie Kissack said: ’Over the years, this island has inspired many poets who have attempted to capture in words the special aspects of this beautiful place. My advice to aspiring poets is; don’t speak to the island but let it speak to you.’

The map already features poems from Manx Bards appointed since the honour was created in 2014 - with support from the Arts Council.

Visit: www.biosphere.im/poetry-map/ and upload your poem(s) and photo(s).