An island of your own
Warden needed to care for 38 acres of tranquillity
‘Views that are ever changing’
THERE is no television or radio, it generates its own electricity and is accessible only during low tide for two weeks of the month.
The island of Lihou, 550 yards off the western coast of Guernsey, is undeniably quiet.
Now an adventurous nature-lover is being sought to take over as the warden of the 38-acre island.
The current warden, Richard Curtis, 50, is leaving the post after 14 years.
Mr Curtis said his wife had been integral to his decision to step down. ‘Emma feels now is the right time for a new adventure,’ he said.
‘The children have left or are leaving for university, so now seemed like time to try something different.’ He said the move would be good for Lihou – ‘a change of blood and fresh ideas’.
The new warden will have a tractor for a company car, and can enjoy stunning views across the Atlantic while spending their working day surrounded by unique and varying nature. Duties include maintaining the island’s only house and looking after the nature reserve’s wildlife.
But the new warden, who is likely to be a local, must be prepared to give up their creature comforts.
There is no freezer, dishwasher, microwave, TV or radio, and electric kettles and hairdryers are banned. This is because the house runs from batteries and a generator, meaning electrical appliances must be kept to a minimum.
The island’s website says it offers ‘the peace and tranquillity that can be sadly absent from modern life’ and ‘engaging views that are ever changing with the weather, light and tides’.
Water comes from a 230ft borehole and is passed through a filter and UV light unit before being pumped to the house. The island is open for the general public to visit by walking across a causeway at low tide, but can be cut off for days at a time.
Mr Curtis estimates he has made the trip across the causeway more than 7,000 times in the past 14 years, but said each time it still looks different. He plans to leave in September next year but first wants to make sure the warden job is in safe hands.
Mr Curtis, who is moving to France, said: ‘We need to find the right person. Someone who wants to work with children, who can proactively work by themselves and who likes driving a tractor.’
The only house on the island is predominantly used to accommodate youth and school groups on educational visits.
The States of Guernsey is responsible for the island, while The Lihou Charitable Trust runs the house and grounds.
Monks from Mont St Michel in Normandy were the earliest known settlers, building a monastery in the 12th century, while during the Second World War the Germans used the island for target practice.