Walsall residents of all ages are being encouraged to explore the region’s ancient past and showcase their creativity by entering the Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark Fossil of the Year Art Competition.
The international competition celebrates the rich fossil heritage of the Black Country, including discoveries found in Walsall, and invites participants to create artwork inspired by prehistoric sea creatures, plants and other life forms preserved beneath the region’s landscape.
Open to all ages, the competition allows entrants to use any artistic medium, including drawing, painting or mixed media, with submissions made digitally. Entries will be judged across two categories: under-12s and over-12s.
Winners will receive a family guided fossil hunting experience at Wrens Nest National Nature Reserve, along with a £25 voucher for art materials.
Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Health and Wellbeing, said, “This is a brilliant opportunity for people in Walsall to celebrate our shared Black Country heritage. Many residents know about the area’s history of industry, but fewer know that some of the most important fossils in the world were discovered right here.
This competition gives people of all ages the chance to express their creativity while learning about the ancient life beneath our borough. I’d love to see Walsall artists young and old take part and even win the competition”
The Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark spans Walsall, Dudley, Sandwell and Wolverhampton, telling a geological story that stretches back more than 428 million years. Fossils found across the area provide insight into a time when the region was covered by shallow tropical seas, home to a wide range of prehistoric life.
For those seeking inspiration, Dudley Museum at the Archives offers free entry and displays some of the most significant fossil finds from across the Black Country.
Winning entries from the local competition will go on to represent the region in the wider European Geoparks Fossil of the Year 2026 competition. The overall European winner is expected to be announced in May 2026, marking the birthday of pioneering geologist Mary Anning.
To enter, participants should create a fossil-themed artwork and submit a digital image to:
📧 blackcountrygeopark@dudley.gov.uk
Entries must be received by 5pm on 31 December 2025 and should include the participant’s name, age, address and contact details.