 Until 1939 the island was under private ownership by the Keig family, but the island was purchased by Mr F J Dickens of Silverdale, Lancashire who then donated it to the National Trust to become a bird sanctuary.In 1951 the Manx Museum & National Trust was established, which became known as Manx National Heritage.Manx National Heritage then rented the Calf from the National Trust for a nominal £1 per year until 1986, when ownership was transferred.