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

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.

Useful links

Biosphere reserves

UNESCO 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.

Discover Gift to Nature

Over 30 amazing sites across the Isle of Wight under Gift to Nature’s care!

National Trust Isle of Wight

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.

Visit Isle of Wight

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.

Isle of Wight on Wikipedia

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.