At Red Squirrel Property Shop, we believe the Isle of Wight is a special place to live, work and explore. From our beautiful countryside and coastline to the communities that make up our Island, there is plenty to appreciate.
But how do we make sure the Isle of Wight remains a special place for future generations?
For our October Charity of the Month, we're shining a spotlight on IW Biosphere, an organisation working to connect people with nature, support sustainable development and help create a positive future for the Island.
We recently sat down with the team to learn more about their work, the people behind it and how they're helping Islanders make the most of the place we call home.
What is IW Biosphere?
The Isle of Wight was awarded UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status in 2019, following a major application submitted in 2018 with the involvement of numerous Island partners. It is the youngest Biosphere Reserve in the UK.
The designation recognises the relationship between people and nature, and the importance of finding ways for communities, the environment and development to thrive together.
IW Biosphere works to build on that recognition by supporting and connecting projects across the Island. Rather than doing everything itself, the organisation helps bring people and groups together, identifies where support is needed and looks for opportunities to make a difference.
Its work also helps raise the Island's profile internationally, creating connections with other Biosphere Reserves and opening up opportunities for collaboration, research, innovation and investment.
The ambition is for this recognition to lead to tangible benefits for the Isle of Wight, from new projects and partnerships to investment and opportunities that benefit local people.
Bringing people together through nature
One of the key messages from our conversation was the importance of connection.
There are already so many people and organisations across the Isle of Wight doing fantastic work for their communities and the environment. However, these groups can sometimes be working independently, making it harder to share resources, access funding or build on each other's ideas.
IW Biosphere helps create those connections.
For example, the organisation has been involved in work with partner organisation Together For to connect community growing projects. By bringing people together, these groups can share knowledge, support one another and explore opportunities to work collaboratively, whether that's applying for funding or sharing equipment.
It's a simple but important idea: when people work together, they can often achieve more than they could alone.
And it's not just about the environment. Building these connections can also strengthen communities, reduce isolation and help people feel more involved in the place where they live.
Helping younger Islanders discover what's on their doorstep
A particularly exciting area of IW Biosphere's work is the Biosphere Hub, aimed at people aged 18–35.
The project is designed to help younger Islanders connect with nature, meet like-minded people and discover the opportunities available to them on the Island.
There can sometimes be a feeling among younger people that there isn't enough to do locally or that opportunities are limited. The Biosphere Hub aims to challenge that by helping people discover what's already around them, while encouraging them to get involved and create new experiences together.
The Hub has been developing over the past couple of years, with volunteers helping to build momentum and bring people together.
As part of the Biosphere Festival, the group organised citizen science and nature safari activities for younger Islanders. These gave participants the chance to explore the natural environment while recording interesting species. The findings contributed to local species records, meaning the activities were not only enjoyable but also supported genuine scientific work.
More recently, the group held its first Biosphere Hub event, Wild Night Out. The event brought people together around a fire pit for an informal evening of socialising and connection.
Around 17 people attended, helping establish a group that can now build on that initial interest and plan more activities.
The idea is to give younger people the confidence to explore their surroundings, connect with others and feel a greater sense of ownership of the Island.
Sometimes, that can be as simple as encouraging people to get outside, explore somewhere new and appreciate the nature around them. You don't always need a plan or a particular activity; sometimes, there's value in simply getting out and enjoying the place you live.
Celebrating the Island through the Biosphere Festival
Another important part of IW Biosphere's work is the Biosphere Festival, which first took place in 2024.
Following the Island's UNESCO designation, there was a desire to raise awareness of what being a Biosphere Reserve means and give people an opportunity to celebrate it.
Rather than being a single event organised in one location, the festival brings together activities and events run by different people and organisations across the Isle of Wight.
This means there is a wide variety of things to discover, helping people engage with the Island's nature, communities and culture in different ways.
The festival also provides opportunities to experiment with new ideas, including activities aimed at younger people. The team hopes to continue developing this programme and build on what has already worked well.
Behind the scenes, the festival relies heavily on volunteers, with people giving their time alongside jobs, studies and other commitments. Their dedication helps bring the programme together and gives Islanders more opportunities to get involved.
Planning takes place throughout the year, and the team is always looking for ways to reach more people and encourage them to discover what the Biosphere has to offer.
Aiming for a lasting impact
While raising awareness and connecting people are important parts of IW Biosphere's work, its ambitions go further.
The organisation wants the Isle of Wight's Biosphere Reserve status to help attract investment, support innovation and create projects that benefit both people and nature.
Through its international connections, it can help put the Island on the map and build relationships with other coastal and island Biosphere Reserves.
It is also exploring ways to connect potential investment with projects that will benefit the Island. This could include opportunities involving businesses, philanthropic organisations and other partners interested in supporting nature and sustainable development.
The long-term ambition is for Islanders to be able to point to real changes and say that the Biosphere has helped make them happen, whether through new projects, investment, employment opportunities or stronger community initiatives.
Maintaining the UNESCO designation is also important. The Island must demonstrate the work being done and the progress being made to retain its status. That means continued collaboration and commitment from organisations, communities and individuals across the Island.
How can you support IW Biosphere?
There are several ways to get involved, whether you're an individual, a local business or someone who simply wants to learn more about the Island.
Follow IW Biosphere online
You can find IW Biosphere on Facebook and Instagram by searching for IW Biosphere. Following its social media pages is a great way to keep up with its projects, events and opportunities to get involved.
Sign up to the newsletter
The newsletter is another way to stay informed about upcoming activities, news and opportunities to support the organisation.
Get involved with the Biosphere Festival
The festival depends on the support of volunteers and the involvement of people and organisations across the Island. Keep an eye out for opportunities to volunteer, attend events or contribute to future programmes.
Spread the word about the Biosphere Hub
If you know someone aged 18–35 who would enjoy exploring nature, meeting new people or getting involved in local activities, encourage them to find out more about the Biosphere Hub.
Support future projects
IW Biosphere can accept donations, and the team is exploring ways to raise funds for its youth programme. This could help cover costs such as sending a young Biosphere representative to a conference, as well as supporting future activities for younger Islanders.
The team is also keen to hear from people and organisations who may be able to offer their time, skills, resources or other forms of support.
Our October Charity of the Month
At Red Squirrel Property Shop, we're proud to support organisations that make a positive difference to life on the Isle of Wight.
Our conversation with IW Biosphere highlighted just how much dedication goes on behind the scenes, often from people giving their time voluntarily alongside work and other commitments.
It also reminded us that looking after the Island isn't just about protecting its beautiful landscapes. It's about helping people connect with nature, strengthening our communities and making sure future generations have opportunities to enjoy and contribute to the place they call home.
The Isle of Wight is a special place, and it's up to all of us to help keep it that way.
We'd encourage everyone to find out more about IW Biosphere, follow its work and discover how they could get involved.
To learn more, search for IW Biosphere on Facebook and Instagram and look out for its newsletter and upcoming activities.
Thank you to the IW Biosphere team for taking the time to speak with us and for the work they continue to do for our Island.
