Already the ’2018 Year of Our Island’, which celebrates the Isle of Man’s status as a UNESCO biosphere region, is into its third month.

With the coming of spring, the organising team behind the Year of Our Island initiative has announced a series of activities and events that they hope will encourage people to become more involved with the island around them.

Unveiled this week is the ’2018 Explore More Trail’, a series of guided walks and also a fun and engaging treasure hunt, ’Our Island Rocks!’, which it is hoped will have kids of all ages searching for decorated rocks around the more scenic locations of the island.

’The "2018 Explore More Trail" launches this week with 12 uplifting walks that show-off the best of our island,’ said a spokesman from the 2018 Year of Our Island team.

’From the beautiful sandy beaches on our coast, to our stunning wooded glens, and through our historic towns.

There’s a handy booklet containing everything you’ll need, including route maps, activities and background information.

’We are also delighted to have partnered with Isle of Man Rocks, the increasingly popular social media craze of painting and hiding rocks around the island.

’"Our Island Rocks!" is a treasure hunt which will take you around the island’s glens, plantations and footpaths and give you the chance to win a Year of Our Island-themed prize.’

The ’2018 Explore More Trail’ booklet is available from the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal in Douglas and other outlets, and can be downloaded from the website www.ourisland.im

Also, during the Easter holidays, there are guided walks on offer, which will in some of the fascinating natural and historical landmarks of the Isle of Man as well as the diverse landscape and infrastructure.

Manx National Heritage will also be hosting a week of wildlife walks and activities in April.

The guided walks and activities are designed to suit all abilities and cover a wide range of interests and a variety of locations across our island.

Further details of all the forthcoming activities are available through the ’iomrocks’ and ’ourisland2018’ Facebook page and the Welcome Centre.