The third Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival is set to get underway on 27th June, with more than 100 events taking place across the Isle of Wight over 9 days.
Recently named one of the UK’s top 10 nature festivals by The Guardian, the event celebrates the Isle of Wight’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status and features a wide range of free and low-cost activities organised by local groups, organisations and individuals.
The programme includes guided walks, talks, workshops, performances, yoga sessions, art activities and open days, offering residents and visitors the chance to discover different aspects of the Island’s natural and cultural heritage.
Among the more unusual experiences on offer are a Wild Fermentation workshop at Nunwell and Wild Knuckle Brewery, live performances exploring the music of plants at Ventnor Botanic Garden and Ebb and Flow, which translates the rhythms of the River Medina into dance.
Creative activities include jewellery making, weaving, poetry and art workshops using natural materials, while those interested in biodiversity can take part in a Nature Fresk Workshop aimed at exploring the challenges facing the natural world.
Young people and families are also catered for, with opportunities to create zines with local illustrator Tommy Brentnall, join nature safaris in the Calbourne Valley and take part in activities at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary’s FOCAS Festival.
Experts from a range of fields will be sharing their knowledge throughout the event. Marine biologist and underwater photographer Theo Vickers will lead sessions on marine conservation, while woodland specialist Matt Huxley will explain conservation practices during walks through Firestone Copse.
Island archaeologist Kelly Wetherick will host walks in Brading and Freshwater, and Springwatch favourite Lucy Lapwing is due to give a talk entitled Love is a Toad.
Those looking for a more relaxing experience can take part in Ocean Flow Yoga overlooking Compton Bay, mindfulness workshops at Brading Roman Villa and a variety of sessions in Grammar’s Wood.
Environmental action also forms part of the programme, with beach cleans planned at Watershoot Bay and Bembridge, as well as invasive species removal work on the Eastern Yar. Community growing projects across the Island will also be opening their doors.
Organisers say the festival provides an opportunity for people with shared interests to connect, while celebrating the Isle of Wight’s internationally recognised status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Some events require advance booking which can be found here.
