Last month, a team of seven volunteers from Lloyds Bank joined members of Manx Wildlife Trust and Manx National Heritage to lend a helping hand on the Calf of Man.
Following a boat journey from Port Erin to the Calf and an overnight stay at the Bird Observatory, the Lloyds Bank team set to work restoring dry stone walls on the Island, which is situated south west of the Isle of Man.
The 618 acre island is a nature reserve and one of 19 accredited bird observatories within Britain and Ireland. Around 33 species of birds breed on the Calf annually, around 10 of which are sea birds, with estate and ornithological wardens monitoring its population of resident and migrating birds including Manx Shearwaters, a species of European Conservation Concern.
Shaun Murphy, Property Manager for Manx National Heritage co-ordinated the work:
“We are very pleased to have welcomed the team from Lloyds Bank to the Calf. It is amazing how much work was completed during the short visit and we are very grateful for the support provided by the Lloyds Bank team”.
Peter Reid, Island Director for Lloyds Bank said:
“It was a real privilege for the team at Lloyds Bank to return to the Calf and fascinating to learn the skill of dry stone wall building. We would recommend other businesses to get involved in supporting Manx National Heritage’s work in the conservation of the Island’s heritage sites and unique landscape.”
The Calf of Man can be visited by day trip from Port Erin or Port St Mary, with pre-bookable overnight stays available in self-catering accommodation for up to 8 visitors. Overnight accommodation is priced at £15 per person per night in shared rooms, with guests bringing their own food and sleeping bags. A limited number of places remain available for the 2014 season.
Manx National Heritage regularly works with companies seeking an ‘away day’ which offer excellent team building opportunities whilst providing support for MNH’s work across the Isle of Man’s countryside, heritage sites and ancient monuments.
For further information on undertaking an away day, contributing towards Manx National Heritage’s work or booking an overnight stay on the Calf, contact Manx National Heritage or visit www.manxnationalheritage.im
