25 July 2026
PO Box 986 Douglas Isle of Man IM99 2TB
Isle of Man News

Residential courses offer opportunity to learn a skill on the Calf

Manx National Heritage is offering the opportunity to enjoy three residential courses on the Calf of Man.

Want to improve your photography skills? Maybe have more of an understanding of the magnificent birds around our islands coast? Or even take a step back in time learn the ancient art of dry stone walling? Well now you can.

This weekend, Tim Earl, a lifelong wildlife-watcher and author, will lead the first course, a 4 night residential bird watching course giving an introduction to birdwatching.

Aron Sapsford, the Calf Ornithological Warden, who has a long association with the Calf, will also be on hand to answer any questions and to demonstrate the bird ringing that takes place, subject to suitable weather conditions.  

Residential courses

From May 24 – 27, renowned photographer Mike Radcliffe will lead a 3 night residential photography course on the island nature reserve. 

The course will involve a number of field-craft sessions aimed at getting to know participants requirements and skill level and providing practical advice designed to improve skills and to introduce new and exciting styles of photography.

There will also be the opportunity to see the work that is done at the bird observatory and photograph the birds that are caught for ringing.

Third course

The third course running from June 2- 7 will offer the opportunity to learn the ancient art of dry stone walling on a 5 night residential course led by David Fisher and Pat Griffiths.  

The course will offer a hands-on opportunity to gain experience and confidence in drystone walling techniques. 

A return boat journey from Port St Mary via the seabird colonies at Sugarloaf is included in each of the packages, along with the self-catering hostel accommodation in the 1878 Calf of Man farmhouse where the Bird Observatory is located.  

To find out more and book a space on the Photography or Dry Stone Walling Courses visit manxnationalheritage.im/whats-on/workshops and to request a booking, email: shaun.murphy@mnh.im.

Charlie Morrey is a Broadcast & Multi Media Journalist for Manx.News and also is a Presenter on Energy FM. Charlie has previously written for Isle of Man Newspapers, magazines and also started her broadcasting career with Manx Radio.

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