Caroline Nokes MP visits the Hawk Conservancy Trust

We were delighted to welcome Caroline Nokes, MP for Romsey and Southampton North, now our local MP, to the Hawk Conservancy Trust on Friday 21 March, as part of her visits for English Tourism Week.

We were thrilled to be acknowledged as one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the constituency and recognised for our contribution to conservation, education, rehabilitation and research of birds of prey and their habitats.

Caroline Nokes met some members of the team at the Trust to hear more about our work, including our conservation projects in her constituency and overseas, our engagement with schools and inspiring the next generation of conservationists, and our future plans to continue our mission to conserve birds of prey and their habitats.

Mrs Nokes watched the ‘Woodland Owls’ display with the team and met Walter, one of our Great Grey Owls for a closer encounter, after the display.

In an article released by The Office of The Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP, the Trust was recognised for “Supporting the local economy through tourism and environmental engagement…[and] has earned a reputation both nationally and internationally for its innovative conservation programmes and educational outreach”.  The article reported Mrs Nokes to have “praised the Trust’s role in boosting employment and offering unique volunteering opportunities, contributing to both the environment and the community. She reiterated the importance of recognising and supporting institutions like the Hawk Conservancy Trust as the tourism and environmental sectors continue to develop”.

Following the visit, Caroline Nokes MP, said “The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a fantastic example of how tourism and conservation can go hand in hand. It’s one of our constituency’s greatest assets, not just for the incredible experience it offers to visitors, but for the important work it does in conserving and rehabilitating birds of prey. English Tourism Week is a perfect time to shine a spotlight on this exceptional organisation.”

Penny Smout, our CEO, said “It was delightful to meet Caroline and share insights into our recent achievements as well as our future ambitions. We are grateful for her time and support, and knowledgeable discussion about the challenges we face. Although Caroline has been a visitor to the Trust and is aware of our work, it was a fabulous opportunity to discuss our projects in more detail and we look forward to working together to conserve birds of prey and their habitats”.