27th June - 5th July
Grassroots Island Festival Connecting Nature and Community
The 3rd Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival Recently named one of the Top Ten Nature Festivals in the UK by the Guardian, features over 100 events all across the island, with loads of free or low cost options, over nine days between the 27th JUne and 5th July.
So why not discover a different side to the island while celebrating its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. Try something new, find out something you didn’t know about our Biosphere, and connect with others who share your interests. Each event has been planned by a local organisation, individual or group and the huge range of people involved in creating the festival has led to an incredibly varied programme with experiences ranging from guided walks to talks, art, yoga, workshops, performances, open days and so much more.
You have the unique opportunity to grow your own beer in a Wild Fermentation workshop at Nunwell and Wild Knuckle Brewery; discover the music of plants in a live performance at Ventnor Botanic Gardens or the rhythms of the Medina translated into dance with Ebb and Flow; craft your own jewellery, get weaving, make abstract paintings from natural materials and try your hand at poetry; or take part in a Nature Fresk Workshop, a chance to learn more and discuss challenges to our biodiversity.
There is something for everyone, with teens and young adults having a chance to create their own zine with brilliant local illustrator Tommy Brentnall, learn how to identify wildlife and take part in citizen science at a nature safari in the Calbourne Valley; or play a street game designed by young people at The Port which turns Newport into a living game world. Those with younger kids will find lots to do at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary’s FOCAS festival, as well as crafting and planting at local libraries and more.
Hear from the experts and get a chance to ask questions! Whether that be local marine biologist and underwater photographer Theo Vickers in a marine conservation talk with tapas or a rockpool safari; or woodland specialist Matt Huxley on a guided walk through Firestone Copse, explaining why conservationists sometimes cut down trees. Island archaeologist Kelly Wetherick leads walks in Brading and Freshwater. Springwatch favourite Lucy Lapwing will tell us why Love is a Toad. Chat to the maritime archaeologists at the centre in Yarmouth or learn about the realities of local conservation with Wight Nature Fund at their Biosphere Day and at the Gift to Nature Community Nursery in Newport.
Those seeking a more contemplative experience could take part in Ocean Flow Yoga overlooking Compton Bay; or Step into the Glasshouse: an immersive listening and moodling experience in a living landscape; or deepen their relationship with the natural world as they Write Back to Nature or enjoy a Nature Connection & Mindfulness Workshop at Brading Roman Villa. You could try a whole range of workshops and sessions in peaceful Grammar’s Wood, or go back into our entire geological history with a Deep Time Walk in Brighstone or Newtown.
With three People's Emergency Briefings in Gurnard, Newport and Freshwater there is a chance to discuss local action on climate change, or explore what the future could look like with a screening of the documentary 2040 at Ventnor Arts Club. There are opportunities to make an immediate positive impact on the environment through beach cleans at Watershoot Bay and Bembridge and balsam bashing on the Eastern Yar. Those interested in food growing can explore community growing projects, allotments and gardens in Ryde and Gurnard, Northwood, Moorgreen, Bonchurch and Quarr Abbey. Calbourne Water Mill is hosting a bat walk, bioblitz, summer market and talks on the Biosphere and an Isle of Wight Green Currency as well as the nature safari. It doesn’t stop there, go to https://iwbiosphere.org/biospherefestival to find even more activities.
The festival offers the increasingly rare chance to meet people who share interests and connect with individuals, experts and enthusiasts from across the island. The Island has been recognised by UNESCO (United Nations Educations, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) for its combination of ecological and cultural diversity and its desire to see these qualities used to support a sustainable and resilient way of life. The Isle of Wight is unlike anywhere else, and we’re proud of our Biosphere Status that recognises this, the Biosphere Festival is the perfect way to celebrate it.
With some events requiring booking or already sold out, and lots to choose from, we’re urging people to make sure they’ve had a look at the Biosphere programme, which can be accessed through the website.