The Calf of Man has been named as one of the top 10 small islands in the UK by The Guardian newspaper.

The Isle of Man nature reserve and bird observatory was featured on the list alongside the Isle of Harris, Scot Head and Holy Island, which have all been voted by novelists and nature writers as places worth visiting.

British author and broadcaster Robert Penn gave his reasons why the Isle of Man’s ’islet’ is his favourite, describing the place as ’a square mile of heather, gorse, cliffs, sea spray and soaring birds in the Irish Sea’.

He explained that visitors can enjoy nature watching, including basking sharks, seals and an assortment of birdlife that the island has to offer.

A spokesman from Manx National Heritage said: ’The Calf of Man is one of the most stunning locations in our care and very much a hidden secret. In spring, summer and a calm day, the Calf is idyllic, yet weather conditions can quickly change.

’This year, conditions have been particularly favourable and our wardens estimate that around 5,000 visitors will find their way from Port Erin and Port St Mary during the season.’

The Calf of Man currently protects around 33 species of birds, such as the Manx Shearwater, which breed annually there.

The resident and visiting birds are looked after by two wardens who live in the island.

’Over 250,000 birds have been ringed on the island since it opened as a bird observatory in 1959,’ the spokesman added.

Nature

’It is the ideal location for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

’Visitors are asked to keep to the paths and tracks from which you can observe the wildlife, birdlife, flora, fauna.’

Overnight stays can be arranged in advance by contacting Manx National Heritage.

Search availability at manxnationalheritage.im/visit/stay-with-us/

To read ’10 of the UK’s best small islands’ go to: www.theguardian.com/travel/2018/jul/28/10-best-uk-small-islands-beaches-summer-holidays-novelists-nature-writers?CMP=twt_a-travel_b-gdntravel