Discover opportunities to record wildlife, share your discoveries and help shape next year’s Biosphere Festival.
Isle of Wight Recorders’ Conference
The Isle of Wight Natural History & Archaeological Society’s annual Recorders’ Conference takes place on Saturday 7th November, from 1.30pm at Haseley Manor, Arreton.
Bringing together Society members, local species recorders and wildlife enthusiasts, the afternoon offers presentations, opportunities to share discoveries and a chance to catch up over tea and cake. View the conference details and programme.
Discover more with the Isle of Wight Natural History & Archaeological Society
Enjoy wildlife sightings, recording updates and forthcoming events in the Society’s Recording Now newsletter. If you’d like to get more involved in understanding and recording the Island’s wildlife, consider joining the Society to enjoy talks, guided walks and opportunities to learn about the Island’s wildlife, geology and archaeology.
Join the Great Nut Hunt
Help uncover where the Island’s small mammals live by searching for the clues they leave behind.
Running until 21st November, the Great Nut Hunt invites people to collect gnawed hazelnut shells. The distinctive tooth marks can reveal whether dormice, wood mice, bank voles or squirrels have been feeding nearby.
Illustrations by Lucia Para
Pick up a survey pack, visit one of the suggested woodlands, and return your nuts with the completed survey sheet. If you cannot identify the marks, you can still submit your finds.
Packs are available from participating Island libraries, the National Trust visitor point at Newtown Creek, Dimbola Museum and Galleries, Brading Roman Villa and Calbourne Water Mill. Check opening times before visiting and follow the guide’s advice on access and avoiding disturbance.
There is also a small mammal talk at Ryde Library on Wednesday 18th November, 5–6pm, exploring the animals’ habitats, behaviour and what the survey could reveal.
Isle of Wight National Landscape is organising the project in partnership with the Isle of Wight library service. Visit the Isle of Wight National Landscape website for more information and to download the nut guides and survey form.
Help shape the 2027 Biosphere Festival
The Biosphere Festival returns from 26th June to 4th July 2027, celebrating the Island’s nature, heritage, creativity and communities. Planning an event? The submission deadline is 15th March 2027, but organisers are encouraged to share their ideas as early as possible to help coordinate the programme.
The festival team is also seeking funding support for 2027, with grant options limited. Potential supporters and partners are invited to get in touch with the Biosphere team. Visit the Biosphere Website for more information and subscribe to the Biosphere Newsletter to keep up to date.