Hawk Conservancy Trust red kite logo
The Hawk Conservancy Trust
Charity No: 1092349 - Company No: 4304161
Sarson Lane, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire. SP11 8DY, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1264 773850.   Fax: +44 (0) 1264 773772.   Email info@hawkconservancy.org

Birds of Prey Experience (Full Day)

Testimonials from previous customers.
Activity daysBirds of prey hold a great fascination for many people, and we understand the desire to be closer to the birds without the responsibility or commitment of long term care. At the Hawk Conservancy Trust our experience days are designed to allow guests to get close to and learn more about birds of prey, and enjoy being in their company.

This is not an intensive course to teach people how to practice falconry or keep birds but a relaxed day, set at the pace of the guests on the day, to learn about and handle birds of prey, and to have an intimate insight into the work of the Hawk Conservancy Trust.

Your Experience Day

Activity days
Tawny Eagle Frodo coming in to the fist. Photo by Nigel Rich
Your day will begin at 10.00am (9.30am in winter season November–February) when you will be met at the entrance to the Trust. After a brief introduction to your fellow guests and a run through of the course itinerary, your day’s activities will begin.

The morning session will feature an introduction to birds of prey, covering aspects of their lifestyles in the wild and their care in captivity. Training birds of prey will also be covered and you will have the opportunity to work with some young birds at the beginning of their education. Throughout the day there will also be the chance to handle and work with various species including eagles, kites, owls and vultures.

You will be introduced to our team of Harris’ Hawks, the main birds that will be used on the day and each guest will be allocated their own individual bird that they will learn to handle.

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A typical experience session at The Hawk Conservancy Trust.
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lunch on the balcony of our corporate room
lunch can be taken on the balcony of our corporate room

Lunch, which is included in your day, can be enjoyed from the balcony of our corporate room, (subject to corporate booking of the Griffon Rooms) allowing guests a bird’s eye view of our 11.45am display. The afternoon begins with the 2.00pm Valley of the Eagles. This is a spectacular display where kites, eagles and vultures show off their skills above our stunning wildflower meadow.

At the end of your afternoon activities, the day ends with what is the highlight of the day for many guests, when you can demonstrate the handling and flying skills you have learnt, by flying your Harris Hawk in your own private arena.

At the end of your afternoon activities, the day ends with what is the highlight of the day for many guests, when you can demonstrate the handling and flying skills you have learnt, by flying your Harris Hawk in your own private arena.

Your activity day ends at 5.00pm (4.30pm in winter) with a presentation of a certificate. Please feel welcome to browse in the Trust shop!

*Please note that these experience sessions are very popular and generally get booked for two months in advance – especially during weekends and school holidays.
Please book early to avoid disappointment*

Activity daysThe Full Day Experience with Birds of Prey is currently priced at £130.00 per person.These experience sessions can be booked for a particular day, or can be given as a Gift Voucher, making an ideal Christmas or birthday gift. Purchase vouchers from our online Ticket Shop. All vouchers are valid for 10 months from date of purchase, allowing guests to choose their day with us.

All items ordered will be dispatched by First Class post within 2-3 days of your order. However if your order is urgent we can arrange special (next day) delivery at extra cost. Please add this postage option to your purchase.

Only guests aged 16 years and over are able to attend our experience sessions. For younger guests please visit our children’s experience session section on the main webpage.

For further information or to book please contact the main office on 01264 773850 between 9am and 5pm daily.

Photograph of man with owl and reminder to read booking conditions