Calf of Man

The Calf of Man is a small island, almost 1 square mile (2.6 km²) in area, off the southwest coast of the Isle of Man. Separated from Man by a narrow stretch of water called the Calf Sound.

Prior to 1939 the island was under private ownership, but in that year the island was controversially given to the English National Trust; it has since been transferred to the Manx National Trust after a long running political campaign. The island is now a bird sanctuary and home to a bird observatory, so it is not open to the public during the nesting months.

The word 'calf' derives from the old Norse word kalfr which means a small island lying near a larger one. It is known as Yn Cholloo in Manx.

External link

• Calf of Man Bird Observatory