Our birds have strong personalities, choosing who they work with amongst our members of the Bird Team. Our seasonal Bird Team member, Mark Ison, discovered this when he began work alongside our Bald Eagle, Orion! Keep on reading to find out the incredible dedication and care it takes for our Bird Team to earn our birds’ trust, and how truly special these bonds can be. “Having a lifelong passion for the natural world and in particular, the conservation birds of prey and their habitats, means I have been visiting the Hawk Conservancy Trust for many years. Following a work experience […]
From this May half term, discover the fascinating world of some of the trees we have here at the Trust on our brand new Tree Trail! At the Hawk Conservancy Trust, we are all about conserving birds of prey and their habitats: trees are vital habitats to many birds of prey and the food they eat. Our 22 acre grounds are home to over 80 different species of tree, the most common including Elder, Silver Birch, Hornbeam, Hazel, Beech, Ash and Hawthorn. As well as native species, we also have 45 non-native tree species which create a home for many different […]
It is with great sadness that we share the news that our former Chairman, Marion Paviour has died. Marion was Chairman of the Board of Directors since the inception of the Trust in 2002, until she stepped down from this position in 2017. Marion’s vision for the Trust from its outset was to create a world leader in bird of prey conservation, and she worked tirelessly to achieve that. Under her guidance the Trust transformed into a highly-regarded conservation charity with international impact, and a visitor attraction that has gone from strength to strength. Ashley Smith, Life President and Founder […]
After joining the Bird Team last summer, Ronnie Hunter has been getting to know the amazing birds of prey that live here at the Trust. During her time so far, Ronnie has grown very fond of our older pair of Striated Caracaras, Darwin and Lafonia, and their adorable antics. We caught up with Ronnie to hear all about this pair of intelligent birds. “For the past few months I have spent a lot of time working on the Hospital section of the grounds. As part of working on this section, one of our duties includes taking care of our elderly […]
From this April, join us at 2pm every day to witness our brand new flying display for our summer timetable: Masters of the Sky! In the majesty of Reg’s Wildflower Meadow, watch in wonder and awe as we showcase the most amazing birds of prey from around the world, all together in one incredible new display. These species will highlight birds of prey and their exceptional adaptations – from some of the biggest birds of prey to the fastest, the most intelligent birds and the most vulnerable. Masters of the Sky will feature the most birds we’ve ever flown in […]
Patrick King is one of the newest members of our Bird Team, joining us last summer after spending time volunteering a few years ago. Since joining the Hawk Conservancy Trust, Patrick has been getting to know all of our birds. Carry on reading to hear from Patrick about working with one special bird – Sarabi the Lugger Falcon. “Some of you may not recognise me as an overly familiar face, but I’m also not brand new anymore! It’s been a wonderful nine months that I’ve spent with the Hawk Conservancy Trust so far and I’ve loved every minute of it; […]
We are delighted to have partnered with the Hampshire Forest Partnership to help it reach its goal of planting 1 million trees before 2050. A step towards that goal came when 75 trees donated by the Partnership were planted at the Trust. The trees, in their infant stage, were planted by some young nature enthusiasts visiting us on the day, who joined our team to carefully position them in the ground. Elliot, Lewis, Harry and Emily each planted a tree which will grow to form a hedgerow along the new John Ellicock Outdoor Classroom. The hedgerow is made of a […]
National Bird of Prey HospitalTM Manager Cedric Robert is once again lacing up his running shoes and hitting the road in his first attempt at the London Marathon to raise money for the Hawk Conservancy Trust! Inspired by the incredible effort and support of Bird Team member and Registrar Ryan Stephens, who ran the London Marathon last year and raised nearly £12,000 for the National Bird of Prey HospitalTM, Cedric wanted to do his part to support the Trust. This time around, Cedric has chosen to raise funds to support the work of our UK Conservation Biologist Matt Stephens, and […]
If you’ve been lucky enough to join us on an experience day, you’ll know the breathtaking feeling of a silent owl or majestic Bald Eagle landing on your fist – there’s nothing quite like it! Our Bird Team work closely with our amazing birds to build strong and trusting relationships. We caught up with Bird Team Apprentice Jennie, who has been working alongside Foxtrot the Black Kite over recent months, getting her ready to meet our visitors on experience days this year. “Last year, as part of my apprenticeship, I was set the task to create a training plan for […]
We are so sad to have to inform you that Delores, our beautiful Cinereous Vulture, passed away 29 December 2022. She was so close to the hearts of many of the team here at the Hawk Conservancy Trust, and to many of you as well. After a period of illness, with heart disease and arthritis, with no signs of recovery, we took the kind, yet difficult decision to put her to a peaceful sleep. At the grand age of 32 years old, just 3 days off her 33rd birthday, we are devastated to have lost her, although blessed that she […]
