Good morning to the TFMZ network!
We hope you are all doing well and that you have had a good summer.
We have been asked alot recently about what we are up to, yes we are still here!, beavering away at connecting people and organisations who are playing or who want to play a role in creating a net zero, nature positive, thriving island. We are also working on funding avenues, as well as supporting and running many great events.
We hope to get some comms assistance over the next months to keep you better informed but in the meantime, please remember that our most up-to-date information can be found on our facebook page here
Read on to find out more about what is happening in the network.
Gurnard Village leads the way at the Island’s Biosphere Festival
As part of the Biosphere Festival from the 3-6th July, Gurnard Village put on a fantastic, action packed four days of activities engaging parish residents in all things Biosphere, circular economy, climate and sustainability.
First up was a Climate Fresk workshop at Gurnard Pines in which approx thirty residents discussed climate science and our response to it.
The following day, sixty people attended Gurnard Village Hall for a showing of the film ‘Six Inches of Soil’, showcasing the work of 3 young regenerative farmers in the UK. The film showing was followed by a panel discussion with island farmers, growers and experts.
The third day was Fabric Day at the Village Hall with, amongst other things, a pre-loved clothes sale and a mending circle. The fourth day saw a talk on the Citizens Science vertipools project on Gurnard beach. This was followed by a ‘People, Planet, Place’ Trail and a parish picnic at Grow Gurnard.
A massive well-done to Gurnard Parish Councillor Penny Acton, Dr Andrew Lee and all of the Grow Gurnard gang for their inspiring leadership on this work.
Hearing the voices of young islanders
In early June, the TFMZ team collaborated with the Isle of Wight Council and the Isle of Wight Youth Trust to run a youth event at Cowes Enterprise College to hear the voices of young people about the future of Cowes. Delivered by young people for young people, the workshop explained our island’s UNESCO Biosphere status and went on to ask young people what they would like for the future of their town. Seventeen young people attended and their vision combines practical improvements (bins, transport, leisure facilities) with forward-thinking ideas (hydroponics, inclusivity and sustainability). A video was produced and shared with the Mayor of Cowes and councillors. A follow-on workshop is due to take place in October.
Supporting Going Electric 2025
TFMZ organiser Tristan Harris recently spoke at the island’s Going Electric event and joined a panel discussion on The Big Picture: A Net Zero Energy Transition for the Isle of Wight, alongside Fran Collins from Red Funnel and Dr Andrew Lee from University College London. The session was expertly facilitated by Joe Redston.
Key themes included the importance of cross-sector collaboration, a willingness to innovate and take risks, open-mindedness, and the power we hold to drive positive change—especially at the community and parish level.
Tristan talked about the work that Together For Mission Zero is doing to build a platform for action toward a net zero, socially just, and nature-positive future for the Isle of Wight. Huge thanks to Wight Community Energy for hosting such a valuable and energising event.
Upcoming Events
Actionism/ Freshwater/ 10 Oct/ 7pm
On 10 Oct in Freshwater, we’re hosting a viewing of Actionism – a short film about collective action, community, and moving from feeling stuck to doing something, together.
The film is about Ellie’s journey – from feeling overwhelmed by climate anxiety to finding the others and taking collective ACTion. Because what Ellie found is what many of us are searching for: Not just hope, but belonging; not just watching, but doing. Actionism isn’t just a film. It’s a call – to gather, to imagine, and to act. Together. We are also very excited that Ellie will be joining us in person on the island for that evening! You can watch the trailer here.
A joint collaboration between TFMZ and a soon-to-be neighbourhood co-working space in Freshwater, the film screening will be followed by a chat on what civic action you would like to see happening on the island. You can book your tickets through the link below. (Please note that we have a limit on numbers due to space restrictions)
Meet Sustainability Funders
Riverside Centre/ 8 Oct/ 9.30am- 4.30pm
As we move into the autumn, the TFMZ team continue to work on bringing funding to this work and to connecting and supporting activators.
Would you like to showcase your work in a TFMZ newsletter or at a TFMZ event? If so, please reach out at info@togetherformissionzero.co.uk. We would love to hear from you and your friends and acquaintances can sign up to our newsletter here.