In fact it is a tiny island off the west coast of Guernsey and totally different from the image that first came to mind. It has a rugged coastline with one small pebbled beach that gives access to the island. At low tide this beach can be swamped with seaweed. The terrain is very much that of a remote Scottish Island, open land interlaced with ferns and heathers with the odd tree dotted here and there. Positioned where it is makes it very exposed to the elements, suffering from severe gales and rain but looking extremely beautiful when the sun shines its glory on the place. It teems with wildlife and is a paradise for the bird watcher as it tends to be a resting place for migratory birds.

On the island are the ruins of a monastery giving the place a sense and air of history. Today though, there is but one stone built house on the island, a very robust looking property that withstands all that nature can throw at it. This is a fantastically tranquil place to be but also very isolated. Access to the island either by foot or by vehicle can only happen at low tides when a causeway is revealed. Dependant on the tides, a maximum of three to four hours is all that the seas will give to get to and from the island.

Within some of the outbuildings, the plant needed to sustain habitation inside the main building was housed. In one, there was the diesel generator supplying electricity. In another was the water treatment equipment providing water for drinking and sanitary purposes. It was the water treatment equipment that was my primary reason for visiting the place.

On previous visits to Lihou Island, my work was always completed during the time the causeway was open. The house and land was owned by the Guernsey Government and was hired out to archaeological groups interested in the ruins of the monastery and ornithological parties observing the bird life. It was always the Governments intention to sell the estate and eventually the competition to buy the place whittled down to two contenders, a private individual and a charitable trust. The charitable trust won and became the new owners of Lihou Island and the house. It was somebody from the trust that met me at Guernsey Airport on my last trip.

I instantly took to Richard as soon as I shook his hand, a firm shake that immediately stated that he was a man with extreme self confidence. He was ex-army, his build and manner indicating his military past. Because there was more work to be done on this visit, it meant staying overnight at the house. On this occasion , because of tide times plus the fact that other contractors had to go across, access would be via a dinghy. As we drove to the point where the dinghy was tied, Richard explained a little about the purchase of the estate.

The charitable trust was founded by himself and a good friend solely for the purchase of Lihou Island. Both the fund raising and the purchase were well supported by the people of Guernsey which seemed to be a determining factor in their successful bid. I could tell that I was in the presence of a man with a deep passion for the project and a tremendous self belief in himself.

Fortunately the sea was calm, so the crossing to Lihou in the dinghy was pleasant. Although I'm sure it takes great skill to pilot the craft and a good knowledge of the waters around the island, Richard very calmly and ably steered the dinghy across.

I was able to complete the majority of my work during the course of that same day. Two of the contractors were able to finish their tasks and leave the island during low tide. This left Richard, a young volunteer worker and myself at the house to stay overnight. The volunteer was put to work on some building jobs which Richard supervised, having already completed some remedial works himself. Richard cooked the evening meal and after he took us to the highest point of the island. The stillness and quietness was breathtaking and the tranquillity just took over.

Looking at the crystal night sky was so captivating. The stars were so clear, being totally unobstructed by light pollution. Richards knowledge came to the fore as he enlightened us on the navigational elements of the stars, the history of Guernsey and the history of the monastery on Lihou Island. The evening was complete as we enjoyed a bottle of whiskey between the three of us.

The following morning was a bright start to the day. I took a stroll around the coastline of the island which could be completed in twenty minutes without to much of a struggle. After breakfast I soon finished what was left of the work I had to do. Richard outlined his plans for an education centre in another of the outbuildings which was the main focus of his work and attention on this trip. All his conversations emphasised the positive, detailing his vision about how the building would look when completed. He had great plans to attract visitors including web cams set up inside nesting boxes so that bird life could be viewed in the education centre. I could easily see that this person was going to succeed.

Later, Richard demonstrated how in tune he was with the surrounding environment whilst putting me to great shame. This time he took us for a tour around the coastline, having us climb up and down the rocks.

" Look at that Rock Pipit" he said.

Looking closely at the vegetation above the rocks, his acute eye had picked out the bird. It made me realise how aware of his surroundings he was – and I wasn't. As much as I tried, and really wanted to enjoy the nature around me, I was still walking around with all my cares – wondering how I'm going to pay my mortgage etc. I could see how life's problems, if allowed to, can truly blind us from all that goes on around. Plus I didn't know what a Rock Pipit looked like.

When the time came close to leaving, we had to prepare for low tide. Richard wanted to take back a tractor and trailer across the causeway loaded with some of the rubbish left over from the refurbishment. This meant we had to move deep masses of thick, brown seaweed to form a clear path through which the tractor could maintain some traction. We left the island with Richard driving and the volunteer and me bouncing on the back of the trailer.