The Isle of Wight will host more than 60 community-led events from 28th June to 6th July as part of the Biosphere Festival, celebrating its status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The nine-day festival offers a wide variety of activities including walks, talks, fashion shows, art exhibitions, music performances, storytelling sessions, films, nature tours and gardening workshops.
Many events are free or low-cost, with plenty of options tailored for families.
Grassroots celebration of nature
Local organisations and individuals have collaborated to create this Island-wide celebration of the Isle of Wight’s remarkable Biosphere designation.
The festival highlights the Island’s unique landscapes and encourages residents and visitors alike to connect with nature in relaxed and creative ways.
Full details of the programme are available on the official Biosphere website.
Festival begins at the Wildheart Sanctuary
The festival opens with FOCAS Fest at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, which focuses on conservation and science.
This family-friendly event includes a range of activities, with affordable tickets available via the sanctuary’s website.
A broad range of organisations will host events across the week, including the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, National Trust, local libraries, Quay Arts Centre, and Grow Gurnard community garden, among others.
Walks, workshops and wild spaces
Highlights from the diverse programme include Meadow Magic workshops, a story walk to Binstead beach and tree-themed adventures at Firestone Copse.
Ryde’s Kidical Mass bike ride invites young cyclists to take part, while documentary screenings offer quieter moments to reflect on nature and sustainability.
Author Roger Morgan-Grenville will share tales from his journey around Britain’s coastline.
Exploring heritage and ecology
Mindful gardening sessions will take place in the Buddle Biosphere, and Permaculture Island will open its doors following its appearance on “Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild”.
Festival-goers can also explore Mill Copse in the West Wight and Brading Roman Villa in the east.
Other events include a Freediving Safari, marine conservation talks, a Climate Fresk workshop and a guided swift walk in Ryde.
Creative expression through the arts
A sonic art installation will take place in a Calbourne church, and East Cowes will offer an unplugged gig with craft beer.
The programme also includes a tour of Godshill’s precious bog habitat, alongside Mardi Gras and Morris Dancing.
Visitors can enjoy an evening of short Biosphere films, landscape sketching with local artists, family crafts at libraries and allotment tours.
Organisers encourage participation
Festival producer Martha Henson reflected on last year’s success and the excitement around this year’s expanded programme. She said,
“We had such a lovely start for the Biosphere Festival last year with much enthusiasm for making it an annual event, so we are really pleased to be bringing it back for longer this year.
“It’s a truly grassroots effort, with lots of inspiration for anyone interested in nature, driven by personal passion and expertise in our event organisers.”
Adding,
“Please support this wonderful event by coming along and getting involved!”
A globally recognised landscape
The Isle of Wight is one of just seven places in the UK to hold UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status.
This prestigious recognition, similar to World Heritage status, acknowledges the Island’s unique blend of people, landscape and wildlife.
It also honours the ongoing work by individuals and organisations to protect and enhance the Island’s environment in sustainable ways.
Where to find out more
The 2025 Biosphere Festival runs from 28th June to 6th July.
Full details, including the complete event programme and newsletter sign-up, are available on the Biosphere Festival website.
