Jeihosphere - 10 Exhibits

Follow the links under each of the exhibits to find our more. While investigating, we invite you to reflect on the progress we have made together over the past ten years.

We would like to say gura mie mooar eau - thank you very much to Culture Vannin for their translation services that have been used throughout this exhibition.

Photo credits: Manx National Heritage

Napin Hop Tu Naa

Hop tu Naa moot

A moot (turnip) lantern marks Hop tu Naa, or Oie Houney (“ee how-nuh”), celebrated on 31 October. As the original Celtic new year, it signals the end of the harvest, the beginning of winter, and a time for reflection, renewal, and preparing for the darker months.

More than a seasonal tradition, the moot reflects how culture is practised, shared, and renewed. Through stories, songs, and community gatherings, Hop tu Naa strengthens communal memory and connects people to the landscape and to one another.

Hop tu naa on Culture Vannin 

More about the moot

Drean

Wren

The Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), one of the Island’s smallest birds, holds a prominent place in Manx folklore. Known as the “king of all birds”, it is central to the St Stephen’s Day (Laa’l Steaion) tradition of Hunt the Wren, linked to the legend of the enchantress Tehi Tegi returning each year in the form of a Wren after being banished by Manannan.

Though the tradition nearly disappeared during the twentieth century, it has been revived through music, dance, and community celebrations. The Wren highlights the close connection between nature, culture, and heritage, and the role traditions play in fostering identity, belonging, and a sense of place.

Learn more about Hunt the Wren

Read The King of All Birds by Sophia Morrison 

Bratteeyn yn Aeglagh

Youth Flags

In 2026, the Biosphere Isle of Man Youth Network and Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere each created a flag representing their place, values, and aspirations.

Each of the flags, hung in the arches at the top of the gallery, were rowed across the Irish Sea by Wigtown Bay Coastal Rowing Club; the flags symbolise friendship between neighbouring Biosphere Reserves and our place in the global network of UNESCO Biospheres. They celebrate youth leadership, creativity, and international cooperation, highlighting the role young people play in helping to shape the future of both their local communities and the wider world.

Join the Biosphere IOM Youth network

Learn more about UNESCO Biosphere Reserves

Find out more about what happened when Wigtown Bay Coastal Rowing Club visited two Biosphere Reserves in one day 

FWAG Aundyryn

FWAG Awards

Agriculture plays a vital role in shaping and managing approximately 80% of the Isle of Man’s landscape and countryside, supporting rural livelihoods, producing local food, and helping to care for the environment.

FWAG Isle of Man’s Bronze Chough Award recognises excellence in sustainable food production, environmental management, and wildlife conservation. Outstanding farms can go on to compete with farms across England and Wales for the Silver Lapwing Award, won by David and Robert Cooil of Ballagawne Farm in 2024. These awards highlight the vital role farmers play in caring for both people and the rest of nature. By combining sustainable food production with environmental stewardship, they demonstrate how resilient rural communities, a strong local economy, and thriving wildlife can all work hand in hand.

Follow FWAG Isle of Man for future events 

Ballagawne Farm – winners of the 2024 Silver Lapwing Award 

Understand the Countryside Code with the Manx National Farmers' Union 

Rhennagh

Beech Fern

Ferns are an important indicator of healthy ecosystems and some types are characteristic of temperate rainforests - habitats once widespread across the Manx landscape and rich in mosses, lichens, fungi, and other life.

Today, organisations, including Manx Wildlife Trust and Isle of Man Woodland Trust, are working together to restore these habitats, in partnership with businesses and communities. As woodlands recover, ferns will provide a visible sign of success, representing habitat restoration, partnership, and a long-term commitment to protecting the Island’s natural heritage for future generations.

Take a visit to the developing temperate rainforests Creg y Cowin and Glen Auldyn

Find out how to get involved with the Isle of Man Woodland Trust

Or try your hand with Team Wilder and the Manx Wildlife Trust 

Kemmyrkyn Nadoor Marrey

Marine Nature Reserves

This sample of the seabed containing small shells and mud, offers a glimpse into the hidden world beneath the waves. They remind us that 87% of the Isle of Man Biosphere lies at sea, where marine habitats, wildlife, fisheries, and people are closely connected.

Built on a long history of marine research and stewardship, the Isle of Man’s Marine Nature Reserves and projects such as the Manx Blue Carbon Project show how scientists, fishers, and government can work together to protect marine ecosystems while supporting sustainable livelihoods and innovative research. Together, they demonstrate how healthy seas benefit nature, communities and future generations.

Visit our Marine Nature Reserves without getting wet! 

The Manx Blue Carbon Project is putting the Isle of Man on the map for blue carbon research 

Find out how the Manx Fish Producers Organisation are serving up sustainably caught langoustines on the Island 

Mill & Caaidje Shellan

Honey & bumbee cage

Honey and the bumbee cage tell complementary stories about bees: one about what they produce, the other about our long cultural connection with them. Traditionally woven from rushes, bumbee cages feature in Manx folklore and reflect a relationship with nature that has been passed down through generations.

The Isle of Man's disease-free bees support pollination, food production and healthy ecosystems. The protections afforded to Manx bees demonstrate Biosphere values in action, showing how careful stewardship can safeguard both wildlife and cultural traditions for future generations.

Learn how to make your own Bumbee Cage with Willow Mann

How is DEFA helping to keep our bees safe? 

Keep up to date with the Isle of Man Beekeepers Federation

Lhiackag ghless as folaue-banc Banc Ellan Vannin

Isle of Man Bank glass tablet and bank note

The Isle of Man Bank glass tablet and bank note reflect the Island’s long history of trade, finance, and enterprise. More than practical objects, they represent the systems that support communities, businesses and everyday life.

The Isle of Man has long been known as a financial hub. Today, the Isle of Man is building on that financial heritage through a growing focus on sustainable finance, exploring how economic success can support environmental stewardship and social wellbeing. These objects demonstrate how a Biosphere seeks to create a future where people, and the economy can thrive together with the rest of nature – not at the cost of it.

Find out about the Island’s Sustainable Finance Initiative

The roadmap - how will we achieve sustainable finance?

What can your business do to consider sustainability? Check out the Sustainable Mann Practical Toolkit and keep an eye out for the 2027 Sustainable Mann workshops

Loamrey Loaghtan

Loaghtan Fleece

This fleece from a Manx Loaghtan sheep tells a story of traditional farming, local enterprise, and adaptation. Once at risk of disappearing, the breed’s survival reflects the dedication of farmers and breeders who have worked to protect an important part of the Island’s natural and cultural heritage.

This fleece from Ballacosnahan Farm represents how traditional knowledge and innovation can work together. By producing high-quality local wool and award-winning charcuterie while supporting thriving habitats, the farm demonstrates how protecting local heritage, skills, and landscapes can contribute to a sustainable and regenerative future.

Check out Ballacosnahan Farm

Meet the Breeders Group working to protect the Loaghtan Breed 

Loaghtans in the news – how can we support them?  

Dellal fo stiurey yn Viosphere

Manx produce rooted in our Biosphere

From botanically inspired spirits and locally milled flour to dairy products, sea salt and baked goods, each reflects a connection between people, place, and enterprise - drawing inspiration from the Isle of Man’s natural environment, cultural heritage, and local resources.

Local food and drink support livelihoods, strengthen links between communities and makers, and contribute to food security and economic resilience. Together, these products demonstrate how enterprise, cultural identity, and environmental stewardship can work hand in hand, helping to create thriving and sustainable communities.

Our exhibited produce:Isle of Man Salt Co., Isle of Man Creamery and Laxey Glen Mills

What is being done to support the Island’s Food Businesses? 

The Farm Shop & Café working to support local producers