By Isle of Wight Observer
More than 60 events will take place across the Island from tomorrow (Saturday) to next Sunday as the Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival returns for a second year.
The nine-day programme highlights the Island’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status – held by just seven locations in the UK – with a wide range of nature-themed events, including walks, talks, art, music, gardening, workshops, film showings and story-telling. Most events are free or low-cost, and many are family-friendly.
The festival begins at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, with a ‘Focus on Conservation and Science’ day, followed by events such as mindful gardening, woodland story-telling, allotment tours, sketch walks, unplugged music sessions, and screenings of nature documentaries.
This year’s highlights include Mardi Gras, a sonic art installation, landscape sketching, craft beer tastings, and guided tours of nature reserves including Mill Copse and Munsley Bog. A Climate Fresh game and a bike ride for children in Ryde also feature.
Biosphere Festival producer, Martha Henson, said: “We had such a lovely start last year and we’re pleased to be bringing it back for longer this time. It’s a truly grassroots effort, full of inspiration for anyone interested in nature.”
Last year’s festival attracted around 4,500 attendees, and 91 per cent of event organisers said the event had a positive impact.
More details and the full programme are available at iw.observer/biosphere-festival, where you can also sign up to the newsletter.
Maureen Sullivan