Landmark programme to remove invasive rodents sees remarkable recovery of Manx Shearwater and other threatened species on the Calf of Man.
Manx National Heritage (MNH) and Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) are delighted to have won the award for Environmental or Sustainable Initiative of the Year at the Media Isle of Man Awards for Excellence for their long-term partnership work on the Calf of Man.
Since 2012, the two charities have collaborated on an enduring conservation project that has transformed the ecological outlook for the incredible island nature reserve, working to remove invasive species and restore natural habitats, enabling the return of key seabird populations, particularly ground-nesting species vulnerable to predation from brown rats (Rattus norvegicus).
The population of Manx shearwaters, whose population had been declared extinct on the Calf of Man, is now up to 1,500 pairs of breeding Manx shearwaters. Eiders (a locally endangered ground-nesting sea duck) have risen from zero to over 100 pairs. Ground-nesting and vulnerable Wheatear have now established their largest Manx breeding locality on the Calf with an annually growing population of around 40-50 pairs. In the last two years, the formerly locally extinct Water Rail have re-established a local breeding population of two pairs on the Calf, with high productivity. 2025 saw the highest number of records of Puffin landing on the Calf in over three decades, with individuals seen to land in all three of the decoy Puffin colonies that were created. A confirmed breeding attempt took place in 2021 and there is great optimism that Puffins will resume breeding again shortly.
Judges commended the project’s scientific rigour, community engagement and international recognition, describing it as a vital effort to reverse centuries of ecological decline. The initiative showcases the importance of partnership working to safeguard the island’s most sensitive environments. It combines expert habitat management with volunteer support and has become a flagship example of how conservation can deliver positive measurable results.
The panel emphasised the project’s long-term significance for both biodiversity and the Island’s global reputation for environmental stewardship.
Connie Lovel, Chief Executive of Manx National Heritage said:
‘This award is a thoroughly well-deserved honour for the many people whose dedication and contributions over many years have made this remarkable recovery of nature possible on the Calf. We extend our sincere gratitude to every member of staff who has purposefully supported this work over the years, to wardens past and present, and to every contractor, volunteer, and supporter who has so generously shared their time, skills and expertise – all contributions that have been invaluable to the success of this conservation project and to the ongoing management and stewardship of the Calf of Man. This recognition highlights our commitment to safeguarding the Island’s biodiversity, promoting long-term sustainability, and honouring its rich natural heritage.
Graham Makepeace-Warne, CEO of MWT said:‘This award is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when organisations like MNH and MWT work side by side for the benefit of wildlife and therefore for the benefit of us all. The remarkable recovery of Manx Shearwater on the Calf shows how partnership, persistence and shared purpose can restore even the most fragile ecosystems. I am deeply grateful to every member of staff, every volunteer and every contractor whose dedication over many years has made this transformation possible, and to the judges for recognising the importance of long-term nature restoration. This is a win for the Calf, for our Island’s biodiversity, and for everyone who cares about the future of our natural world.’
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- Manx National Heritage (MNH) www.manxnationalheritage.imis the leading cultural conservation charity in the Isle of Man, taking a lead in protecting, conserving, making available and celebrating the Island’s rich natural and cultural heritage for current and future generations, whilst contributing to the Island’s prosperity and quality of life. As the National Trust for the Isle of Man, one of the richest archaeological landscapes in Europe, MNH manages a large and varied landholding conserving rare species, priority habitats and outstanding countryside, including the Calf of Man.
MNH safeguards the Isle of Man’s national collections, comprising over one million artefacts reflecting 10,000 years of Island life – and manages c2,500 acres of land under the Manx Museum and National Trust. This stewardship incorporates a rich variety of historic buildings and structures, such as the Calf of Man Bird Observatory, numerous field monuments, and eleven key heritage visitor sites including Castle Rushen, Peel Castle, Rushen Abbey and the iconic Great Laxey Wheel. MNH is committed to delivering significant, ongoing conservation projects to protect and preserve these unique cultural and natural assets for future generations.
- Manx Wildlife Trust (www.mwt.im) is the leading nature conservation charity in the Isle of Man with over 1,000 members plus supporting local businesses, working together to protect and enhance the Island’s natural environment. With over 50 years of impact, MWT manages 32 nature reserves, delivers conservation and community projects, and advocates for policy change in support of wildlife and climate resilience.
- For updates on the work of the Calf of Man Bird Observatory and its Annual Reports, please visit https://manxnationalheritage.im/visit-2/stay-with-us/calf-of-man-bird-observatory/,https://manxnationalheritage.im/our-sites/the-sound-and-calf-of-man/and The Calf of Man Bird Observatory | Manx Wildlife Trust
Images: 1. Manx Shearwater Chick © Richard Cope; 2. Puffin cuddling up to a decoy © Rob Fisher; 3. Image of the Calf of Man © Graham Makepeace-Warne 4. Award Ceremony © Media Isle of Man
