Meet the team

Alison first came to the Trust as a volunteer before becoming an employee. She likes being a part of all the good experiences our visitors have here and enjoys walking her dogs and going to the gym.

Fun fact

Alison has a bronze award for adult tap dancing!

As part of the Trust’s Poison Response Activities, we have partnered with the Endangered Wildlife Trust and the University of Reading to deliver conservation actions. As part of this work, André trains field staff and rangers in Poison Intervention Techniques  and also the use of Poison Response Kits, provided by the Trust. This vital work aims to reduce the impact of poisoning on vultures and other wildlife in southern and east Africa.

For André, a bad day in the field is still better than a day in the office. In fact, even when he’s not working, Andre spends as much time in the bush as possible, especially with a range of camera equipment at hand.

Fun fact

On average, André sleeps for only four hours each night!

Andrew used to cycle six miles to the Trust to explore the Trust and visit Feathers Restaurant. He wrote in to see if the Trust needed a Maintenance Operator, and was hired shortly after! Andrew has a background in engineering, DIY and building and enjoys helping around the Trust. No wonder his favourite bird is a Peregrine Falcon as Andrew can often be spotted dashing to help on another job!

Fun fact

Andrew loves to canoe in his spare time through British rivers such as the Thames and Severn and seeing the wildlife.

In 2005, when the Trust first took over the Visitor Centre, Anya was hired as an external consultant for advice. Realising we’d need someone full-time, Anya was offered the post of finance and administration manager which, we’re happy to say, she accepted!

Her job constantly brings up new challenges to which she enjoys finding the solutions. When she does manage to escape the madness of the office, Anya enjoys walking her dogs along canal network tow paths

Fun fact

Anya is a self-declared dreamer!

It was Ashley’s parents, Reg and Hilary Smith, who bought Sarson Farm (the site of the Trust) in the 1950s. In 1965, the year Ashley was born, it became Weyhill Zoo. Ashley worked there as a child after school and at weekends and started full-time at 16. He’s seen the Trust achieve many great things but he’s especially proud of the National Bird of Prey Hospital™ and the creation of Reg’s wildflower meadow, both in memory of his parents.

Ashley enjoys commentating the Valley of the Eagles demonstration although driving the tractor comes a close second! Even when he’s not at the Trust, Ashley still follows his passion and often travels to the Scottish Highlands to watch Golden and White-tailed Eagles.

Fun fact

It’s taken 10 years but Ashley has finally mastered the waltz!

Ben has been coming to the Trust since he was 10 years old as a visitor and a member. When he was 13, he came every Sunday to volunteer and when he turned 16, was offered a summer job here. We knew someone who was so dedicated to the Trust would be perfect for our apprenticeship scheme and Ben is enjoying every bit of it. His favourite jobs at the Trust are flying the Black Kites, the Bald Eagles and Troy the Tawny Owl in demonstrations. Ben plays a lot of sport including football, cricket and badminton.

Fun fact

Ben was a district winning cricket captain for three years in a row!

Who would have thought that finding a book on falconry in a second-hand bookstore could have such a big impact? It did for Campbell, who spotted the address for the Trust in the back of the book and wrote in to ask for a job, thinking it would be fun to fly birds for the summer. Nowadays, Campbell’s research is helping with the conservation of birds of prey all over the world.

In his spare time, Campbell enjoys messing about in boats (responsibly, of course!) and is very fond of Northern Sung monumental landscape art.

Fun fact

Despite travelling all over the world and being a part of groundbreaking research, Campbell’s considers his greatest achievement to be getting his wife to marry him!

Carol began her role here as office administrator and thinks the Trust is a lovely place to work. She spends her spare time with her children, Claire and Gareth and her two grandsons, who she already brings to the Trust on a regular basis.

Fun fact

Carol used to do belly dancing!

Having enjoyed many family visits to the Trust and been inspired by our wonderful birds and the enthusiasm of our team, Carol jumped at the opportunity to apply for a job with us.

Bringing over 20 years of retail experience to the role, Carol is excited to combine her skills and knowledge with her passion for the environment, birds and conservation.

When not at work, Carol can often be found running through the Hampshire countryside or at the gym.

Fun fact

Carol once ran a 17-mile half marathon (she blames the race coordinators!).

Cedric came over from France in 2005 for five months’ work experience. At the end of his placement, he was asked to stay on until the end of the season. This then led to him becoming a full-time member of the team and he’s been here ever since! Cedric loves running the vulture courses and likes being able to put a smile on everyone’s faces by sharing what he does with them. He likes peace and quiet, spending time with his wife and being in his garden.

Fun fact

Cedric is a big fan of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher books but doesn’t think Tom Cruise was the right choice for the movie!

Claire has always had a love for animals and wildlife and has been a member at the Trust since 2014. She loves to see and hear the reaction of visitors when watching the flying displays and sharing in the Trust’s passion to conserve birds of prey.

Outside of work, Claire has a great love for theatre, looking after her fish and spending plenty of time with her family.

Fun fact

Claire got into fish keeping after she rescued 5 Goldfish from a car park!

Denise had visited the Hawk Conservancy Trust several times prior to working here, so when she read the need for an administrative manager, she was eager to apply. With a strong background in management, she is an excellent fit for the position!

Denise enjoys working in a team, walking around the Trust grounds and saying hello to the birds. When she’s not at work, Denise can be found crocheting, running, or going away in her motorhome. Despite being frightened of deepwater, Denise has also recently taken up bodyboarding!

Fun fact

Denise once travelled to Copenhagen to see Take That, but the band had to cancel the performance due to Robbie Williams getting food poisoning — it was the first time the band had ever pulled out of a show!

Eloise wasn’t looking to leave her job at the time when her fiancé sent her an advert for the vacancy at the Trust on Facebook. Recently having finished her Media and Communications degree from the University of Winchester during Covid, she applied thinking ‘if it happens, it happens’. Two days later she’s having her interview at the Trust, and was offered the job the week after!

Eloise’s favourite thing about working at the Trust is how varied her day-to-day role is – working across two different teams no day is the same! When not at work, Eloise can be found playing video games on her PS5, adventuring in games of Dungeons and Dragons, or listening to rock music whilst drawing.

Fun Fact

Eloise absolutely loves going to theme parks – she loves the adrenaline rush!

Emilea applied for her role after hearing about it on the grapevine and, on top of her usual responsibilities, enjoys helping to organise the functions – especially Christmas events!

Fun fact

Emilea has swum with sharks!

After completing a twelve week work placement at the Trust, Gary continued to volunteer whenever he could. When the position of junior falconer was offered to him, he jumped at the chance! He’s now been at the Trust for nearly two decades, delighted to be living his childhood dream of being able to train, fly and work with birds of prey.

Gary somehow manages to live the bird of prey life and stay married and has two children, three dogs, guinea pigs and a Merlin!

Fun fact

Gary has a special BPBH qualification. (Blue Peter Badge Holder!)

Graeme first started visiting the Hawk Conservancy Trust as a member back in 2008, which led to becoming a frequent volunteer. The pandemic led to being furloughed in his main profession flying for a major airline, and when the Trust was allowed to reopen and became busier, an opportunity to work at the Trust was presented. Now that the travel industry is recovering, Graeme is able to work part-time in both roles.

Graeme has a passion for aviation and loves soaring flight, he even has landed a Boeing 747, the Queen of the Skies. When not at work, he can be found hang gliding, cycling or developing games, including a fully released virtual reality bird simulator that he’s taken to shows to raise awareness for the conservation of birds of prey!

Graeme’s favourite thing about working at the Trust is being able to work with such a wide variety of bird species and individuals, each with their own distinct personalities. Boe, our Egyptian vulture, is a clear favourite.

Fun fact

Graeme got married to his wife at the Trust – they met as volunteers here!

After taking part in a Young Falconer’s Experience for his 12th birthday, Hugo knew he wanted to be a part of the Trust. After volunteering at the Trust, Hugo jumped at the offer to be a part of the Bird Team!

His favourite part of his job is flying the birds during the flying displays and commentating during the summer holidays. Hugo enjoys working with Galaxy, the Spectacled Owl as he was the first bird that Hugo got involved with training!

When he’s not working, you can find Hugo on the tennis courts!

Fun fact

Hugo played at the All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon and won his match!

James first heard about the Trust while volunteering at his local zoo and, as he was infatuated by birds, he quickly planned a visit. After that first visit at age 12, a trip to the Trust has been an annual event for his family. James had a lifelong dream of working at the Trust, so it’s a real dream come true for him. His favourite thing about working here is being able to care for and fly vultures and to act as their ambassador. When not at work, James enjoys walking with friends and family or moseying around on a beach.

Fun fact

James has swum the length of the English Channel for charity!

Jamie has always had a soft spot for birds of prey – with Peregrine Falcons being his first wildlife love. Since then, he developed a wider passion for carnivores, especially big cats and hyaena, moving to South Africa for several years to work on human-wildlife coexistence in rural farmland.

In his spare time, Jamie is a keen artist, drawing (mostly animals!) using pen and ink or watercolour; and loves almost all sports!

Fun fact

While living in South Africa, Jamie was once woken up by a Spitting Cobra in his bed!

In 1994, Jane started as a volunteer to take a break from working on a computer during the week. This grew from a few hours to spending all her spare time at the Trust. She went back to college to gain her National Diploma in Animal Care which led to her becoming a full-time employee in 2000.

Jane has been a key part of getting the Trust’s apprenticeship scheme up and running and likes the fact that no two days are the same.

Fun fact

Jane is learning hypnosis and can play Away In A Manger on the flute!

Jemma started as a weekend assistant when she was 16 and worked at the Trust for a couple of years. She then came back to us in a managerial role soon after. Jemma finds it good to be part of an organisation that is so passionate about what it does. Outside of work, Jemma is kept busy ferrying her children about and doing the usual ‘mum’ tasks!

Fun fact

Jemma is the third generation of her family to work at the Trust!

From a young age, Jennie has been visiting the Trust with her dad who loves birds of prey too. When she was 16, Jennie had an amazing two weeks’ worth of work experience here at the Trust and fell in love with the place even more.

When not at work, you can find Jennie pursuing a range of unusual active pursuits, including aerial hoop and pole fitness.

Fun fact

Jennie has received the Patrons Silver Jubilee medal for winning a longbow archery clout shoot off – the target was over 100m away!

Jenny loves exploring the UK and travelling all over the world, but her favourite place to visit is always the Isle of Mull in Scotland, an essential spot for any Eagle lovers!

Jenny’s passion for wildlife started at a young age, although it began not in the sky but in the ocean. She has always been fascinated by sharks, and originally wanted to become a Marine Biologist, however this was scuppered by an unfortunate affinity for sea sickness! Since then, her passion has grown to include all manner of species, with a particular focus on species native to the UK.

Jenny has always loved birds of prey and was inspired by the Trust’s work with vultures. Raising awareness for these beautiful birds and changing perceptions shows just how important conservation education is and why Jenny works so hard to promote these animals.

Fun Fact

In her spare time, Jenny loves to go rock climbing in the evenings and weekends. Jenny can often be found at her local climbing gym and is now venturing into the world of outdoor climbing.

Having recently relocated from the USA, Jillian is thrilled to continue her career working with wildlife here at the Hawk Conservancy Trust. While she originally graduated with a degree to teach English Literature, she realised her true passion was inspiring others to be more engaged with the natural world through education. Jillian has worked in animal care and conservation for the past decade as an educator, keeper, and trainer. She has trained a wide range of animals, such as warthogs, lemurs, and macaws, and is excited to now bring her experience to the wonderful birds of prey here at the Trust.

Back in Ohio, when Jillian wasn’t at work she was heavily involved in the local theatre community, usually playing her flute in many pit orchestras. She hopes to soon find a similar musical outlet here, but is also happy to spend her free time reading as many books as she can.

Fun Fact

Jillian is on an episode of Secrets of The Zoo! She can be found in Columbus Zoo’s “Duckumentary” episode, catching jumping cats and training ducks!

Josh works in Feathers Restaurant and has a background in catering, so after a conversation with a friend who informed him about the job opening, he leapt at the opportunity! Josh gets a deep sense of personal satisfaction in improving a person’s day and making them feel valued, so highly enjoys the front-facing work that he does here at the Trust.

Josh is enamoured by the Trust and the goals we work towards, and will often have a chat with our birds when he has the opportunity to do so.

Outside of work, Josh enjoys writing music and having a game of pool with a few of his friends.

Fun fact

Josh learnt how to play 3 instruments without professional tutoring!

Katie has a lifelong love for animals and so jumped at the chance to work at the Trust. She brings more than ten years’ experience in customer-based roles and really enjoys seeing how much visitors’ enjoy seeing our amazing birds, and sharing in the Trust’s passion to conserve wild birds of prey.

When not at work, Katie is very busy being a super mum to Noah – they’re usually on adventures outside, often visiting anywhere with animals!

Fun fact

Katie has swam with elephants and saw fireflies up close in Malaysia – experiences she’ll never forget!

Katy’s grandparents would bring her to the Trust at least once a year and, once she was old enough, she started volunteering. She enjoyed it so much that she would come in as many days as she could and was subsequently offered the apprenticeship. One of the highlights for Katy is working in the National Bird of Prey Hospital™. When she’s not at the Trust, you might find her reading fantasy novels.

Fun fact

Katy can play the flute!

From speciality dishes to delicious cakes, Kierran shows his passion in the kitchen at the Trust. Kierran is happy creating meals and treats for visitors to the Trust to enjoy, and is always putting his culinary skills to the test. Having worked with a Michelin starred chef, he likes Feathers Restaurant’s warming atmosphere and working with the friendly Catering Team.

Fun fact

Kierran can juggle swords!

A keen environmentalist, Lauren is passionate about protecting and conserving the natural world around us and loves inspiring others to do the same in fun, creative ways. Lauren’s favourite thing about working at the Trust is working alongside a wonderful team of people who are passionate about the conservation of birds of prey. When she’s not at work, Lauren can be found cuddling her rescue cat Pepper, and is looking forward to hopping on a plane again soon to continue travelling and hiking on new adventures!

Fun fact

Lauren is a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie, and as well as skydiving twice has also bungee jumped!

Louise came to visit the Trust a few times and was really taken with the whole place. When she spotted an advertisement for her role, she applied straight away and joined the team shortly afterwards. Every day is different for Louise and she really does learn something new every day. Outside of work, she spends most of her time with her two daughters.

Fun fact

Louise once went to the Royal Albert Hall to listen to a classical concert with John Noakes and Valerie Singleton!

Matt was on leave from an overseas conservation project when he decided to come to the Trust. For him, the best part of his job is having the privilege of visiting the nests of wild birds and the fact that he can play a small part in the development of knowledge of the biology of wild birds. Matt will often be found watching or ringing birds in his spare time.

Fun fact

Matt prefers brown sauce to tomato ketchup!

Mike first came to the Trust on work experience from Merrist Wood College in Surrey. His favourite part of the Trust is our incubation room and he’s proud of the fact he’s been able to incubate, hatch out and hand rear the large vultures, Cassius, Kipling and Macawber. When he’s not at the Trust, Mike spends as much time as he can with his family.

Fun fact

This one’s for Tolkien fans – Mike nearly called his son Strider (but this was outvoted)!

Miriam began working with birds of prey in 1997. Having been a member of the Trust for ten years, in 2011, Miriam’s dream of working here came true. Since then, she’s been able to apply her vast experience to many of the Trust’s projects including our annual vulture ringing project in Africa and the KEITS training of our apprentices.

One of the job’s highlights for Miriam is training birds for the flying team. She loves an underdog too so if a bird is challenging or has issues, you could say Miriam will take it under her wing (pun intended).

Fun fact

Miriam loves being out in the countryside whether it’s on foot or, more recently, on her new Harley Davidson 48!

Owen has always had a great love for the Trust and visited many times over the past five years. He has worked with birds of prey since leaving college and has worked in the zoo industry for five years. When the job opportunity came up at the Trust he knew he had to go for it. Owen enjoys the stunning grounds of the Trust and working alongside likeminded, passionate colleagues. When not at work, Owen can usually be found enjoying walks in the countryside or practicing archery!

Fun fact

Owen entered an axe-throwing tournament for the first time in 2019 and won!

Patrick used to visit the Hawk Conservancy Trust a great deal as a child, and started volunteering in late 2016. For two years, he spent four or five days a week here! Patrick then moved away to to Gloucestershire for three years to work with a variety of birds of prey (primarily falcons!).

When Patrick saw the job advertisement for the Hawk Conservancy Trust, he jumped at the chance to apply, as he had always seen working at the Trust as his goal, and is thrilled to be back now working as a permanent member of the Bird Team!

When he’s not at work, Patrick likes to go out exploring new places and enjoys mountain biking.

Fun fact

Patrick plays guitar, and has perfect pitch!

Penny made quite an entrance when she limped into her interview after breaking her ankle four days previously – it’s a good thing the lift was working! The hard work Penny made to get to her interview was nothing compared to the hard work she’s put in to the Trust over the years and she’s proud to see the amazing team around her doing the same. It’s a tough job sometimes though, whether it’s watching a flying demonstration or sampling the new dishes in Feathers – all for quality control purposes of course!

Penny’s son, Toby, is her proudest achievement, although persuading her husband to get a dog comes a close second!

Fun fact

Penny is a big American football fan and supports the Michigan Wolverines!

Rachel takes pride in being a part of the friendly Catering Team that Feathers Restaurant is known for. She enjoys seeing what every day brings and is always smiling. Rachel’s greatest achievement is being the world’s greatest auntie and spends her spare time reading and watching movies!

Fun fact

Rachel is a blue belt in judo!

Ryan did a five-week work placement at the Trust as part of his degree and then volunteered here for a year before becoming a permanent staff member. Before he learnt to drive, he used to walk the 10-mile round trip to and from Grateley station every day! He enjoys looking after the donkeys, Mickey and Molly.

Ryan has a lot of hobbies which include hiking, reading, listening to heavy metal and going to festivals. He’s a black belt in karate and has also won the Junior Wiltshire Indoor Bowls Championship.

Fun fact

Ryan likes to write and is currently working on a children’s book!

After arriving at the Trust in 2007 on work experience, Simon enjoyed it so much he came back as a volunteer and never really left! Now a staff member, he likes spending time with a huge variety of birds of prey.

Fun fact

Simon is a 4th degree expert in taekwondo and has been training for over 10 years!

Sylvia has been at the Trust for more than 10 years, going from visitor to member to volunteer to staff member! She loves meeting and greeting the public and has two children who she works with in her other job.

Fun fact

Sylvia once helped cook for the Queen!

Since she was young, Tanith has always enjoyed learning about the natural world and was often seen covered in mud. That passion has grown to a passion for conservation and feels very lucky to be part of the Trust working on conservation of birds of prey. In her spare time, Tanith can be found playing field hockey or hiking around the countryside when she isn’t being asked to identify blurry photos of birds from her family!

Fun fact

Whilst camping in Iceland, Tanith once slept through a small earthquake and didn’t feel a thing!

Tom’s interest in birds of prey is inspired by his grandparents love of the great outdoors, and many family days outside together. However, it was a bird of prey experience at the age of 12 that really started the ball rolling for Tom. He has worked with birds of prey at a number of different centres, before coming to the Trust in early 2019.

Outside work, Tom can usually be found exploring the countryside with his chocolate Labrador, Delilah.

Fun fact

Tom once played Prince Hamlet in an outdoor Shakespeare production and had to learn over 1000 lines!

Vicky had visited the Trust several times when her children were young and had always thought what an amazing place it would be to work at. She was looking for a change after many years with the same company and had no idea what she wanted to do until she saw the job advertised here. Vicky enjoys the lovely work environment and being part of a team involved in conservation work. Where else would part of the training for an accounts job include watching flying displays, after all! When not at work Vicky enjoys looking after and riding her horse Bentley, and playing netball.

Fun fact

Vicky once did a parachute jump and landed in a tree!