Grammar’s Common, with its dense, almost impenetrable woodland and neolithic Black Barrow is an unusual place and well worth a visit. It was a pleasure to meet John Osborn, the new owner of Grammar’s Common and to walk round the hill and learn more about the area and his plans for the wood. 

Culture and nature go hand and hand in the Biosphere. The role of island creatives in supporting our Biosphere nomination process was invaluable, spreading awareness and bringing people together in celebration. As we pass five years as a Biosphere, we take a look back at the start and in particular the role of local company New Carnival and their Mardi Gras.

Back in September last year, our International Coordinator Sally Chaucer took part in a meeting of the World Network of Island and Coastal Biosphere Reserves in Australia, meeting people from all over the word. and forging new connections. These are already leading to discussions around potential partnerships and collaborations, and as part of this we were invited to take part in an exhibition in Finland, celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Archipelago Sea Area Biosphere Reserve.

The Common Space is proud to announce that not just one but THREE and FREE wild new Story Trail adventure days or ‘Biosphere in the Bay Days’ have been lined up this summer, giving local families new ways to explore the wild fringes, urban icons, wetlands, and shores around Sandown Bay.

Families! Now’s your chance to be Biosphere Pioneers, discovering Sandown Bay’s wild and not so wild spaces – through words, pictures, things to do, things to learn, ways to get moving, and all with the help of a shrew, a rock pipit, ivy bees and gulls, a tiny boy and a whole heap of other everyday wildlife.

Wavelength is as year-long arts and science project offered to children aged 7-13yrs living on the Isle of Wight. Six schools have been invited to take part in curriculum enriching programmes (4 primary schools and 2 secondary schools) supported by a supplementary raft of public engagement workshops and events aimed at families and young children running during the holiday times.

As I drove down the track towards the north coast of the Isle of Wight to meet Nigel Hayward on his farm, I could see across the Solent towards the Hampshire coast and to the New Forest National Park.

Written and photography by Pete Johnstone.

I met up with Carol Flux on the banks of the Caul Bourne in west Wight. As I arrived, she was sampling water quality at several points along the river.

For 20 years, Carol has worked for Natural Enterprise, a local charity that focuses on the synergy between the economy and the natural environment.

Written and photography by Pete Johnstone.

I met with Abi Price at Calbourne Mill, when she was preparing for one of her weekly outdoor sessions for children and whilst setting up, she explained a little of her background and business and why she found herself at Calbourne Mill.

Written and photography by Pete Johnstone.

I met up with Ellen Penstone-Smith, garden manager at Farringford House, home to the Victorian poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson, on a frosty winter’s morning. The last time I had visited the garden was in the previous summer and the walled garden, in particular, had been packed full of colour.

On today’s visit the garden is wearing more muted winter colours.

Written and photography by Pete Johnstone.

It’s all in the rocks.

Megan grew up in Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. She always enjoyed collecting fossils and combing the Island’s beaches with her parents. Following her BSc and Masters in Palaeontology, her PhD will focus on looking into the rocks at Compton Bay, specifically the diversity of animals and what happened to their skeletons before and after burial.

Written and photography by Pete Johnstone.

More than Just Apples!

The first ever Apple Day at Calbourne Water Mill saw a real interest in the ‘pop up’ apple juicing set up with local people bringing in their unwanted apples for juicing.

Written and photography by Pete Johnstone.

West Wight charcoal maker Graham Hardy starts another batch of charcoal, this time hazel and plum.

Graham's work is part of an ancient woodland restoration initiative to improve the biodiversity of the woodland. Graham is also keen to encourage the use of locally produced charcoal on the Isle of Wight rather than it being shipped in from abroad from unknown sources.

Written and photography by Pete Johnstone.