Bird warden reflects on 11 seasons at Calf of Man nature reserve

Aron Sapsford has completed 11 seasons as the bird warden on the Calf of Man, making him the longest-serving warden since the bird observatory opened in 1959. He has witnessed significant changes in the island's connectivity and accessibility. When Sapsford first arrived, there was no electricity or phone service, and communication relied on written letters delivered by boat. In contrast, his return in 2017 saw the introduction of internet and increased visitor numbers, making the island less isolated. Sapsford's main role involved monitoring bird populations, which included long hours and challenging terrain. He noted a decline in many bird species, likely linked to global warming, despite some populations showing improvement.