Calf of Man

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The Calf Sound, taken from direction of Cregneash

Calf of Man (yn Cholloo in Manx) is a small island, almost 1 square mile (2.6 km²) in area, off the southwest coast of the Isle of Man (Ellan Vannin). It is separated from Mann by a narrow stretch of water called the Calf Sound, or just the Sound (yn Cheyllys) .

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 Manx National Heritage (Eiraght Ashoonagh Vannin) after a long-running political campaign. The island is now a bird sanctuary and home to a bird observatory (thie-arrey eeanlee), 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.

The Calf of Man currently boasts a population of two and the world's highest density of lighthouses.

In 2006 management of the Calf was transferred from Manx National Heritage to the charity Manx Wildlife Trust although ownership remains the same.

Between the Isle of Man and the Calf is the islet of Kitterland. While the islets of Yn Burroo and The Stack lie close to the Calf's shore. Almost a mile south west of the Calf is Chicken Rock (Carrick ny Kirkey), the most southerly part of the Isle of Man's sovereign territory.

Calf of Man is home to a large breeding population of Manx Shearwaters, a seabird which derives its name from its presence in Man.