RESOURCES
AND LINKS
Isle of Wight Biosphere documents
Isle of Wight Biosphere Nomination Form (PDF)
The successful 2018 application to UNESCO requesting Biosphere Reserve Status
Biosphere designation certificate (JPG)
Our official certificate from UNESCO recognising our Biosphere Reserve status in 2019
Isle of Wight Biosphere Zonation (PDF)
Map of the designated Biosphere Reserve with the three zones. Core areas comprise a strictly protected zone that contributes to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation. Buffer zones surround or adjoin the core area(s), and are used for activities compatible with sound ecological practices that can reinforce scientific research, monitoring, training and education. The transition area is where communities foster socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable economic and human activities.
The Creative Biosphere project book (PDF)
A reflection and summary of the Creative Biosphere Project: five artists, five schools, five institutions. Publication funded by Interreg-funded UNESCO Sites Across the Channel (USAC), February 2023.
Nature in Newport Scavenger Hunt (PDF)
Created for Riverfest 2024, why not try this nature hunt for children around Newport.
Biosphere Festival School lesson (Google slides) and Curriculum map (Google doc)
Created by Monkton Arts for the 2024 Biosphere Festival
Isle of Wight UNESCO Biosphere Youth Representative application details (pdf)
Description of the volunteer role and how to apply (2024)
Press releases
Questions for Solent CO2 pipeline consultation (word doc)
The Isle of Wight Biosphere Steering Committee have the following questions about the proposed Solent CO2 pipeline that we don't feel have been answered in the available documentation.
A response from ExxonMobil to the above questions has now been received, see link below. Link
Response from ExxonMobil to questions regarding the Solent CO2 pipeline consultation (word doc)
Useful links
Biosphere reserves
Find out more about Biosphere Reserves, what they are and how they work.
UK Man and Biosphere Committee
The UK Man and the Biosphere (UK MAB) Committee oversees UNESCO's MAB Programme in the UK. The MAB Programme encourages a balanced relationship between people and their environment. Biosphere reserves are a major component of the MAB Programme.
World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves
The World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves, which the Isle of Wight is part of.
Island Links
Isle of Wight Biodiversity Partnership ‘Wild on Wight’
The “island's biodiversity website”.
Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society (IWNHAS)
Promoting the study and recording of natural history and archaeology, the conservation of the flora and fauna of the Isle of Wight, and the proper preservation of all objects of special archaeological and geological interest.
Isle of Wight National Landscape (previously Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty)
The Isle of Wight National Landscape is cared for by a dedicated partnership made up of national and local organisations.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
For over 60 years Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust have protected the wildlife and wild places of Hampshire, the Island and our local seas.
Over 30 amazing sites across the Isle of Wight under Gift to Nature’s care!
National Trust sites on the island include gardens, forts and a windmill as well as 17 miles of beautiful coastline and more than 5,000 acres of countryside.
The island’s official tourism website
Isle of Wight Village Book (Online Guide)
Compiled by the Isle of Wight Federation of Women's Institutes from notes sent by Institutes in the Island 1st Edition July 1974, 2nd Edition December 1974.
Background to the Isle of Wight
Isle of Wight nature and heritage documents
AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 (PDF)
The Statutory Management Plan for the Isle of Wight AONB, since renamed the Isle of Wight National Landscape.
Local Geodiversity Action Plan (LGAP) (PDF)
The primary function of the Isle of Wight Local Geodiversity Action Plan is to formulate a strategy to promote the Isle of Wight through the conservation and sustainable development of its Earth Heritage
Local Biodiversity Action Plan (PDF)
Aseries of documents produced from 2000 to 2005. Habitat Action Plans have been produced to provide a framework for action to conserve and enhance the Island’s biodiversity.
Strategic Stone Study (PDF)
The Historic England Building Stone Atlas of the Isle of Wight, published September 2016
Isle of Wight Historic Environment Management Plan and Historic Landscape Characterisation
Historic Environment Action Plans (HEAPs) are a way of characterising the historic environment of local areas. They provide an overview of the actions and plans needed to manage and conserve the resource for future generations.