Biosphere Vannin photo competition
Growing up on a farm in the Isle of Man, the concept of a biosphere wasn’t on the radar. Long before the Island became recognised for it, we were unwittingly living it; and the freedom was great, it completely belonged to us. For me, the biosphere isn’t solely nature - it is our shared history and culture, and the ability to give our own children that sense of belonging, safety and freedom.
My childhood was shaped by a close-knit farming community. Everyone around us already knew what they were doing: what land you had, and how best to manage and produce from it. Those informal farm transactions, shared learning, collective support, helping each other out with a harvest, shearing, or some machinery or whatever it was, were always there. Much of the network of family farms has declined over my lifetime, but its strong sense of community is still there.
As General Secretary of the Manx National Farmers’ Union, (MNFU) that early sense of belonging has evolved into something more deliberate - a commitment to protect the agricultural environment that I grew up in.
Farming is the keystone of our Biosphere. It is not just a means of production; it’s a bond with the land. On the Isle of Man scale is smaller and connections run deeper. When other countries expanded field sizes to maximise production, our traditional, small fields were retained, and those traditional hedge boundaries continue to be protected to this day. Farmers are not often minded to shout about it, but they continue to shape and protect the landscape that is so highly prized, underpinning the community that we celebrate.
This is why food security and environmental stewardship are inseparable. Local food production systems, rooted in sustainability, are incredibly valuable, even more so in times of economic, climatic, or geopolitical instability. When we support Manx-grown produce and livestock, we’re not only eating better and reducing food miles; we’re reinforcing a resilient supply chain making ourselves less vulnerable to disruption.
Farming provides the foundation of our economic wellbeing. Agriculture supports jobs far beyond the farm gate: in processing, distribution, retail, tourism, and even education. Alongside our treasured landscape, it’s greatest contribution maybe cultural. Farming and fishing have been the backbone of Manx heritage - our festivals, our folklore, even our language reflect deep farming and fishing roots. If we really want to protect our Biosphere – we cannot afford to lose agriculture and our independent food production.
As part of the MNFU, I see first-hand how farmers are innovating - embracing biodiversity-friendly practices, reducing emissions, and enhancing soil health. Our Island may be small, but our example is powerful. The biosphere isn’t something we visit or admire from a distance. It’s the living system we belong to.
Making our Biosphere truly successful will not be achieved by allowing external forces to direct or control how our land is used and managed, but by respecting and protecting the existing livelihoods, communities, and historic culture that defines the Isle of Man.
The Manx National Farmers Union has a new Countryside Membership option, for those that want to learn more about, and support Manx Farming and Food. Keep an eye out for our new website that will launch in the next few weeks (or contact me direct at sarah.c@manx-nfu.org.uk or 662204 for more details.
