Hawk Conservancy Trust | Welcome Guide | 2025

WELCOME GUIDE 2025

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1965 2025 CELEBRATING 60 YEARS

WELCOME TO THE HAWK CONSERVANCY TRUST Your visit is important to us

Visit us and feel better

You can help

We hope that your visit will be inspiring and educational, as you learn more about birds of prey and their place in the environment.

Spending time in nature is proven to enhance our emotional and physical wellbeing. Our 22 acres of woodland and wildflower meadow, set in the beautiful Hampshire countryside and surrounded by our incredible birds, is the perfect place to embrace the restorative power nature has to offer.

There are many ways you can support our work. Simply by buying a coffee in Feathers Restaurant or purchasing a souvenir in our Trust shop, you’re supporting our conservation efforts for birds of prey in the UK and overseas. Why not visit us again and again by becoming a member, or join us for an evening out, supporting our work at one of our fundraising events? You could even spend a day getting close to our birds on an experience session!

As a registered conservation charity, your visit today helps us continue our mission to conserve birds of prey and their habitats, as well as continuing to care for the amazing birds that you’ll see with us today.

You are also supporting our projects in the UK and overseas that focus on: • Conservation – of birds of prey and

If you have enjoyed your day with us and would like to share your experience or keep in touch, sign up for our monthly e-newsletter Owl Message, or follow us on social media (see inside back cover for more details).

their habitats

• Education – to raise public awareness

and interest

• Research – into bird of prey biology • Rehabilitation – by caring for sick,

injured or orphaned birds of prey

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sign up here

Please consider paying the donation price because if you are a UK taxpayer and willing to Gift Aid, we can reclaim 25p from HMRC for every £1 paid.

This will help us work to conserve more birds of prey.

A FANTASTIC DAY OUT SUMMER 11:30AM

SUMMER 2PM

SUMMER 3:45PM

WINTER 2PM

Make your visit extra special with this exciting encounter! Join our team of Burrowing Owls in the ’burrow’ where they will fly, hover, walk and run around you. They may even use you as a perch!

Ask in our shop for details.

Explore our beautiful surroundings, watch world-class flying displays and see our majestic birds of prey. Along the way, you will learn more about each species and our efforts to conserve them. Activities, attractions and things to see include: • Meet the Burrowers VIP Encounter† • ‘A Vulture Voyage’ activity trail • Seven acre chalk downland

wildflower meadow

• Bird of prey themed playground

• Brilliant Bird Brains talk • Tractor rides* • Nifty Nest Builders • Tree Trail for all ages

See today’s timetable of activities on the patio outside the Trust shop. †

In addition to day admission fee

* Weekends and school holidays only

Subject to availability.

In addition to day admission fee.

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Facilities Reception and Trust shop

Fully Accessible

A warm welcome and information awaits, plus a wide range of quality gifts and souvenirs to suit all budgets, including our very own exclusive line of clothing and soft toys.

You can purchase flying experience sessions, event tickets and vouchers from the shop, too.

The Trust is fully accessible. Manual wheelchairs are available on free loan.

There are flat tarmac paths, plenty of seats for rest, and areas reserved for wheelchair users in our display arenas. Adapted toilets are located in Feathers Restaurant.

We would like to advise visitors that we have a natural countryside setting, and sensible footwear and appropriate clothing for outdoors are recommended.

Most walkways are laid paths, but you may find some natural unevenness underfoot.

Feathers Restaurant Feathers Restaurant is a perfect refreshment stop whether you’re visiting for the day or simply passing by. Choose from a coffee of your choice and a slice of delicious cake to a hearty hot meal. Using locally sourced ingredients where possible, enjoy a spot of breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea while taking in the stunning views of our woodlands.

We use a variety of ingredients in our kitchen and cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.

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Afternoon Tea Add a touch of luxury to your next visit with a delicious afternoon tea!

With or without a day admission ticket, enjoy a delicious Cream Tea, indulge in a full Afternoon Tea or, for a real treat, go all out with a Premium Afternoon Tea. Available at 2:45pm and must be booked at least one day in advance. Call 01264 773 850 or email info@hawkconservancy.org.

Subject to availability.

During the summer months, stop by our Shepherd’s Hut at Reg’s Wildflower Meadow for an ice cream!

Become a Member

Pick a type LIFE MEMBER

MEMBERSHIP

OFF-PEAK MEMBERSHIP

(SEE PAGE 6)

SUPPORTER

As a member, you can enjoy unlimited visits to the Trust, as well as additional benefits, depending on the type of membership you choose! You’ll also be supporting our charitable conservation and research work.

Unlimited visits* Restricted visits

excludes weekends, school and bank holidays

UNLIMITED VISITS

Annual exclusive Member Event Advance notice to book some events Invitation to join 100 Club

EXCLUSIVE MEMBERS’ EVENTS

HawkTalk magazine Owl Message e-newsletter

ADVANCE NOTICE TO BOOK SOME EVENTS

Annual Review

Join today and we’ll deduct your admission fee †

HAWKTALK MAGAZINE

Keep hold of your receipt!

Exclusive pin badge Plaque on board * Subject to availability and opening hours and membership type chosen. † Offer only applies on day of visit.

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BRITISH RAPTORS BRITISH RAPTORS We’re working on multiple projects to support British birds of prey, including:

Raptor Nest Box Project

Donate Birds of prey face varied, multiple and continued threats. We work to conserve them both in the UK and overseas every day and you can help too.

OVERSEAS RAPTORS

You can choose the amount you wish to donate, and designate the funds to our conservation work, or to one of these four programmes:

We have donation boxes around our site or go to our website.

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We work to conserve the four species of British birds of prey that nest mainly in cavities like tree hollows or old buildings – Barn Owl, Kestrel, Tawny Owl and Little Owl. This project provides nest boxes in suitable areas of habitat, which gives the birds a place to nest and us a valuable insight into the lives of these species and how we can conserve them. Since starting with just 38 nest boxes in 2008, there are now over 1,500 across southern England.

Helping stop Kestrel declines

HOSPITAL AND REHABILITATION

EDUCATION

The UK Kestrel population is ‘Amber’ listed as a species of concern. While the population is stable in parts of the UK, in other areas it has declined considerably since the 1990s for reasons that are not entirely known.

Our project is investigating the distribution, foraging movements and survival of Kestrels in southern England, with new methods to be used in 2025; it also aims to assess how the population responds to the installation of additional nest sites (in the form of nest boxes).

OVERSEAS RAPTORS

HOSPITAL & REHABILITATION

EDUCATION

Vultures are the most threatened birds in the world – many populations are under pressure and some species are facing the very real threat of extinction. Vultures are also dedicated parents, social and gregarious, extremely fussy about being clean (after eating) and extraordinarily graceful on the wing.

The Hawk Conservancy Trust’s National Bird of Prey Hospital™ can receive and treat more than 200 sick, injured or orphaned birds of prey each year. Due to the challenges presented by bird flu and changes in requirements to participate in European Breeding Programmes, we are working to develop a new hospital service. When we are able to receive and treat birds, they can be from both the public and other wildlife centres. After treatment, birds are moved into our rehabilitation wing, which plays a key part in giving recovering birds the best setting to regain their fitness before we release them back into the wild. Our hospital also acts as the base for our research projects that benefit wild, injured and rehabilitated birds.

In addition, we have incubation facilities that support conservation breeding programmes, and our hospital is a training facility for organisations such as the RSPCA and the Royal Veterinary College.

Education is fundamental to conservation.

The more we inspire visitors about the work we do and the importance of conserving birds of prey, the greater chance we have of protecting these birds.

The main overseas projects for the Hawk Conservancy Trust are those associated with the International Vulture Programme (IVP).

Populations of this ecologically important group of birds face continued threats from problems such as poisoning, unsustainable harvesting for the wildlife trade and habitat loss.

One of our key projects in the IVP is our work firefighting the vulture poisoning crisis.

This is a huge threat to vultures in southern Africa and is killing hundreds of vultures and other wildlife every year.

We strive to provide visitors and students of all ages with an experience that sparks people’s interests, and develops their knowledge about the habitats of these amazing animals, and their place in the natural world.

We are constantly updating our education resources to maintain alignment with the National Curriculum and the changing state of the natural world.

You can help us achieve this as we continue to educate the next generation of conservationists.

e about Find out mioorn & Research t our Conserva 7

EVENTS

Owls by Moonlight

Biodiversity Breakfast SATURDAY 3 MAY Join us for a special morning to enjoy and discover the best of British nature with Dr Matt Stevens, our British Projects Manager. Breakfast in Feathers Restaurant included!

FUNDRAISING EVENT

SELECTED EVENINGS IN SPRING AND AUTUMN As night falls, experience our mystical owls as they fly silently through the darkness in two breathtaking flying displays.

SELECTED EVENINGS IN SUMMER Spend an evening watching our feathered friends soar against a sunset sky, and meet the dedicated team working alongside them over two stunning flying displays.

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SATURDAY 19 & SUNDAY 20 JULY, 10AM-5:30PM We’re going wild! Join us for a festival of British nature, with extra activities and special guests over this summer weekend.

EVENTS

FUNDRAISING EVENT

SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER

WEDNESDAY 29 & THURSDAY 30 OCTOBER

Come along and celebrate the wonderful world of vultures with a whole day of activities and flying displays dedicated to these wonderful birds and highlighting the threats they face.

Prepare yourself and your little ones for a wickedly spook-tacular family evening with two spooky shows where owls fly!

FUNDRAISING EVENT FUNDRAISING EVENT

FRIDAY 19 - MONDAY 22 DECEMBER

JANUARY 2026

Sing along with Christmas carols under the night sky accompanied by band, choir and, of course, our beautiful owls in flight!

An immersive journey into the magical world of owls, with dazzling illuminations and breathtaking owl flight to help you banish the winter blues!

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EXPERIENCES Birds of prey hold a great fascination for many people, and if you have the desire to get closer to and learn more about these majestic creatures, then why not try one of the following experiences?

The majority of these sessions are limited to groups of up to six guests (aged 16 or over).

ALL OF OUR EXPERIENCES INCLUDE: • Time with our passionate, knowledgeable and friendly team with a

chance to ask any questions you have about our fascinating birds

• The opportunity to learn about our conservation, research and

rehabilitation work

• Full instruction and use of equipment • Refreshments

Find out more 10

You can bu y an experience as a gift with o ne o f our gift vo uchers!

Adult Experiences

Children’s Experiences

A Day with Birds of Prey

Owl Experience

Junior Bird Team Experience

Spend a day with our birds! On this full-day experience, our friendly team will introduce you to a wide range of the wonderful birds that call the Trust their home. You'll likely be able to fly some of our eagles, owls, hawks and vultures!

Perfect for owl lovers – this three-hour session will give you the opportunity to get close to, and fly, several of our owl species.

This could include a Tawny Owl, Great Grey Owl, Boobook Owl and more!

Join us for a three-hour session, and discover what it’s like to be a member of our Bird Team! This experience is for children in year seven and above.

Bird of Prey Experience This three-hour session will allow you to get closer to, learn more about, and fly some of the birds here at the Trust.

Your session will include flying a range of species, which may include owls, hawks and vultures.

Beginning Falconry Award Course In groups of up to twelve people offsite, the Hawk Conservancy Trust, in association with Amews Falconry, is offering a rewarding opportunity to achieve the nationally recognised Raptor Award qualification on a four-day course. Includes a day ticket to visit the Trust!

Children’s Owl Experience Step aside Harry Potter! This is your chance to get close to, and experience the magic of our owls. For children aged 6-11.

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Photography Experiences Birds of prey make wonderful subjects for photography. We offer full-day and half-day Photographic Experiences on selected dates throughout the year that can cater for the professional as well as the enthusiastic amateur.

Photographic Workshop with Oliver Smart

CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS

Guided by expert photographer, Oliver Smart, you can improve key photography skills while learning more about our birds’ lifestyles and discover how to capture striking portrait and action shots!

WIN your very own one-to-one flying or photography experience Have you taken any striking images of our beautiful residents or wild birds of prey? Enter your images into our annual competition for the chance to win a private, one-to-one experience at the Trust, tailored to your interests (you can fly or photograph our birds, or perhaps a mixture of both!)

Winning images will also be displayed in Feathers Restaurant and will be featured in our 2027 calendar.

The overall winner of the competition will be judged by Chris Packham CBE, an avid wildlife photographer.

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Love our birds?

Adopt a bird of prey Adopting a bird of prey is a fun way to support our work, learn more about our birds, and help us to continue the conservation of birds of prey.

Whether it is the cute owls, majestic eagles or fascinating vultures that have caught your attention, adopting one of our birds of prey is a perfect gift idea for all animal lovers.

Snowy Owl

Peregrine Falcon

Packages to suit all budgets!

See adoption types below.

l* Burrowing Ow

Find out more

Secretary Bird

Certificate of Adoption

Fact sheet about adopted species

Photo of your adopted bird

Memento of your adopted bird

Admission tickets to the Trust

Standard

By post

By post

By post

By post

By post

Digital

By email

By email

By email

-

Digital+

By email

By email

By email

-

Premium

Visit our website for more information

By email

* Exclusive to Digital & Digital+ adoption packs!

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An exceptional day needs an exceptional venue and there are few places that can match the Hawk Conservancy Trust for a magical and unforgettable day.

From a simple ceremony for a few guests to a lavish celebration with a full wedding breakfast, our choice of wedding packages can all be tailored to suit you. After all, it’s your special day!

PHOTOGRAPHY:

Wayne Williams | Alliance Wedding Photography 14

For more information on our full range of weddings, functions and corporate events please call 01264 773 850 or email info@hawkconservancy.org.

with some Enjoy your special day nds. of our special frie Find out more

Functions and Parties

Groups

Special Occasions

Talks

From private functions to family occasions, there’s nothing like a party surrounded by birds of prey! Our enchanting woodland and wildflower meadow are a wonderful location, day or evening, for any celebration. It’s a special experience to be close to a bird of prey on your birthday or to combine a flying display with an anniversary.

Our group talks are a fascinating, fun and educational experience for your business functions or school groups.

We can come to you, host your group here at the Trust, or can offer a virtual talk. Each talk lasts approximately one hour, with a slideshow and question and answer session.

Visits Celebrate Christmas Thinking of dining out this Christmas?

Celebrate the festive period with friends and family on an uplifting day out, accompanied by a sumptuous Christmas lunch or luxurious Christmas Afternoon Tea in Feathers Restaurant.

We can also provide a fabulous venue for your company’s Christmas celebrations!

Organised groups and coach tour visits are welcome. Perfect for a day out or as a stop-off for a refreshment break in Feathers Restaurant. We can offer an introduction talk, ample free coach parking and fully accessible countryside grounds. Discounts are available.

Corporate Events Our peaceful and natural surroundings provide an inspirational location for all corporate events and functions. Whether it is for a meeting room, a venue for a seminar, hands-on experience sessions, training or team-building for staff, we can tailor a day to your specifications.

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Keep birds forever flying in our skies Please consider a gift to the Trust in your Will We know when it comes to your Will, family comes first. After which, if you are interested in leaving a gift that will help conserve the planet for the future of your loved ones, please consider us.

As top predators, birds of prey are a vital indicator of the health of the environment and understanding how best to conserve them is paramount to conserving our planet for future generations.

If you decide to leave us a gift, please let us know on info@hawkconservancy.org so that we can thank you and add you to our Legacy Club.

By leaving a gift in your Will to charity, you may be entitled to a reduced Inheritance Tax rate.

Find out mores about legacie 16

School Visits

to life We bring education m. outside the classroo We aim to share our passion for birds of prey and their conservation to inspire the next generation, from primary schools up to the highest levels of education. School groups can take part in our range of daily activities and talks, as well as watching our world-class flying displays. On top of this, we also offer tailored workshops.

NEW OW LP DISSECTIOELLET WORKSH N OP!

“Planning and organising the trip was so easy and the staff are so helpful ensuring we got the very best out of our day.”

YEAR 6 TEACHER, ST NICOLAS JUNIOR SCHOOL

TS FROM SCHOOL VISIR 2025 BE M VE NO 26 TO MARCH 20

Find out more

The wildlife podcast brought to you by the Hawk Conservancy Trust

WITH TOM MORATH

Discover the fascinating world of feathers and talons in this podcast dedicated to birds of prey and their place in the natural world. Join us and uncover hidden secrets of these unique predators to help us understand how we can conserve some of the most endangered species on our planet today.

All episodes now available wherever you get your podcasts!

CONSISTENTLY RATED ONE OF THE UK’S TOP NATURE PODCASTS! 17

Visitor information

Keep in touch

In case of emergency, please contact a member of staff immediately.

Smoking and vaping is only permitted in the designated areas. See map.

Please use the disinfectant matting every time you enter and exit the Trust grounds.

This will help protect our birds by reducing the risk of spreading Avian Influenza (bird flu).

Dogs are not permitted except for assistance dogs.

If you would like to visit with an assistance dog, please call in advance so that we can arrange for a member of our team to meet you on arrival to discuss how to enjoy your day and keep our birds comfortable.

Lost children: If you lose your child, or parent, contact a member of staff immediately.

Qualified first aiders are always on duty. If you need assistance, please contact a member of staff.

Baby changing facilities are available in Feathers Restaurant.

Re-admittance: If you wish to return to your car during your visit, please go via reception.

Lost property can be collected from reception.

Found property should be handed to a member of staff.

Electric Vehicle charging points are available in our car park. You can connect with the Monta EV Charging app.

Children under the age of 16 are not allowed into the Trust unless they are supervised and accompanied by an adult.

The Trust is open every day in 2025 except: • Monday 17 November - Friday 12 December • Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 December • Tuesday 6 January - Friday 13 February 2026 Thank you for taking the time to read this Welcome Guide. We hope that you had an enjoyable day at the Trust. When you have finished reading this booklet please pass it to a friend who you think would be interested in visiting us or supporting our work.

OFFICIAL PARTNERS Funding the ’Meet the Burrowers’ exhibit, new playground, EV charging points, Outdoor Classroom and flight towers:

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter at www.hawk-conservancy.org Follow @HawkConservancy Follow @HawkConservancy Share your photos with #hawkconservancytrust Subscribe to us for great videos youtube.com/@HawkConservancyTrust Review your visit on Trip Advisor Watch Trust related video shorts Connect with us on LinkedIn

Hawk Conservancy Trust, Sarson Lane, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8DY

www.hawk-conservancy.org info@hawkconservancy.org

CORPORATE SUPPORTERS

CHARITY NO: 1092349 COMPANY NO: 4304161 VAT NO: 997 3248 63 The Hawk Conservancy Trust is grateful to all the photographers who kindly gave permission for their images to be used in this publication. The Hawk Conservancy Trust uses FSC accredited printers.

Design: studiorationale.com

WG0325

VISIT THE TRUST SHOP On your way home, be sure to stop by the Trust Shop for a unique selection of souvenirs, gifts and treats.

Our wide range includes something for everyone – from avid bird of prey lovers to nature enthusiasts of all ages.

Choose a special memento to take home as a reminder of your day out with us!

No time to shop to day ?

Visit ou r online websho p!

Alex McGarry

MEET ALEX MCGARRY, THE HAWK CONSERVANCY TRUST’S OFFICIAL ARTIST IN RESIDENCE! Alex is a professional artist specialising in oil paintings of British wildlife and birds. She is the winner of the prestigious title ‘Up & Coming Artist of the Year’ awarded by the Fine Art Trade Guild.

An exclusive collection of Alex’s paintings will be on display in the Trust shop. Fifty percent of all painting sales and one hundred percent of profits from print sales will go directly towards supporting the Trust’s continued conservation, research and education of birds of prey and their habitats.