Cowes’ independent Medina Bookshop is proud to announce it is hosting a headline evening with celebrity naturalist, broadcaster, and author Lucy Lapwing (Lucy Hodson).
Known to millions for her infectious enthusiasm and expert commentary behind the scenes on BBC’s Springwatch, Lucy will take the stage on Monday, 29th June 2026, to discuss her highly anticipated new book, Love Is a Toad.
Venue upgraded after high demand
Due to unprecedented ticket demand, Medina Bookshop has upgraded the event venue to the nearby Island Sailing Club to accommodate larger crowds.
A relatable voice for nature
As a prominent voice in modern conservation and wildlife campaigning, Lucy Lapwing has built a massive, dedicated following by making biology accessible, hilarious, and deeply relatable.
Whether she is climbing trees barefoot, rootling in the mud, or whispering compliments to spiders, Lucy’s unique blend of humor and hard science has made her one of the UK’s most beloved digital-nature icons.
Part of the Biosphere Festival
Medina Bookshop has curated this exclusive evening as an official core centerpiece of the Island-wide Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival 2026, celebrating the Island’s prestigious UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status.
Lucy’s talk will dive straight into the heart of the festival’s mission: examining our fragile, complex, and beautiful relationship with the natural world during a time of global biodiversity crisis.
Joy and grief in nature
Medina Bookshop manager Paul Armfield, says,
“Most of us love nature, but we are also living in a time of great ecological loss.
“Lucy’s book, Love Is a Toad, explores this exact dance between joy and grief. We are absolutely delighted to bring such a high-profile champion for wildlife to Cowes for this special festival evening.”
Praise from fellow broadcasters
The book has already garnered stellar praise from industry giants. Wildlife broadcasting legend Chris Packham described it as “tender, connected and considered,” while TV’s Dr Amir Khan called it “extraordinary”.
Over the course of the evening, Lucy will guide audiences through a year of wild UK adventures – from swimming rivers to encountering dung beetles and toads – proving how “green prescriptions” can offer hope, defiance, and healing.
Event details
- Date: Monday, 29th June 2026
- Time: 7pm – 9pm
- Location: Island Sailing Club, 70 High Street, Cowes PO31 7RE
- Admission: £5 per person
- Age Limit: None. Open to all nature nerds and families.
Tickets are strictly limited and moving fast. To book your seat, visit the official box office page.
News shared by Paul on behalf of Medina Bookshop. Ed
