Bradda Head Nature Trail - Information Point Number 5

Information Point Number 5

Leave the main path for a short detour between the Sycamore trees. The plants which form a carpet in early spring include:

Ramsons (Wild Garlic) - a strong onion-smelling plant and the bluebells, both the British native and the more open bell of the Spanish Bluebell which may be blue, pink or white.

You are now in the open, and before you retrace your steps to the main path, notice across the bay a distant view to the Calf of Man bird sanctuary islet.

The Calf of Man is five miles in circumference and 616 acres in area. It lies half a mile off the south-west coast of the Isle of Man and is separated from the main island by a treacherous Sound, through which very strong tides flow.

The coast is almost entirely made of steep slate cliffs, which provide ideal nesting places for birds, and as the islet has remained relatively inaccessible and remote, it has a special interest for naturalists and ornithologists.

The islet was declared a bird sanctuary in 1937 and is managed by the Manx National Heritage (MNH). Ornithological work has been carried out since 1959 and wardens have been appointed by the MNH to be resident from Spring to late Autumn each year. In 1962 it became an officially recognised observatory. It is on the Western Britain migration route and in spring and autumn vast quantities of birds cross the islet, many en route from Scandinavia as far south as Africa.

Intending resident visitors to the Observatory should apply to Island Escapes for details. Day trips are run in summer - see the notice board at the jetty.

Now go to Information Point Number 6 (Approximately 50 paces)