2023 Welcome Guide

WELCOME GUIDE 2023 Enjoyed your visit? y!

Become a member toda See page 5 for details

don’t miss our BRAND NEW FLYING DISPLAY!

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 grounds, 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 like no other 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’re 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 go to:

their habitats

• Education – to raise public awareness

and interest

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

injured or orphaned birds of prey

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See inside back cover for details.

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

WINTER 11:30AM

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 grounds, 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 protect them. Activities, attractions and things to see include: • Meet the Burrowers VIP Encounter† • Top Trumps children’s activity trail • Peek inside the National Bird of Prey

Hospital™ and rehabilitation aviaries

• Seven acre chalk downland

wildflower meadow

• Bird of Prey themed playground • Brilliant Bird Brains talk • Tractor rides* • Nifty Nest Builders • Tree Trail (coming summer 2023)

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

Feathers Restaurant

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, bags and Trust-branded binoculars. You can purchase flying experience sessions, event tickets and vouchers from the shop too.

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

Buy your Hawk bird Conservancy Trust of prey top trumps exclusively from the Trust shop!

Fully Accessible Our grounds and facilities are fully accessible. Manual wheelchairs are available on free loan. There are flat tarmac paths around the grounds, plenty of seats for rest, and areas reserved for wheelchair users at our display grounds. 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 within our grounds.

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

Afternoon Tea Add a special touch to your visit with a delicious afternoon tea! Enjoy a delicious selection of tasty homemade cakes, scrumptious sandwiches and more along with your choice of tea or coffee. With or without a day admission ticket, join us for a relaxing afternoon treat in the beautiful surroundings of Feathers Restaurant.

Please note: Afternoon Tea is available at 2:45pm and must be booked at least one day in advance. Call 01264 773 850 or email info@hawkconservancy.org.

Available for a limited time only and not available on bank holiday weekends or school holidays.

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

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 newsletter Owl Message e-newsletter

ADVANCE NOTICE TO BOOK SOME EVENTS

Annual Review

Join today and we’ll deduct your admission fee †

HAWKTALK NEWSLETTER

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

Become a Supporter 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.

BRITISH RAPTORS

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

Raptor Nest Box Project

Some of the key projects that we are working on in 2023 include:

OVERSEAS RAPTORS

As a valued supporter, you will receive a copy of our Annual Review each year updating you on all of our work including the programme you have chosen to support.

Go to the shop or call us on 01264 773 850 to become a supporter.

Donate

Kestrel conservation monitoring

HOSPITAL AND REHABILITATION

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 aims to identify suitable areas of habitat and gives us a valuable insight into the lives of these species and how we can conserve them.

EDUCATION

The UK Kestrel population is ’Amber’ listed as a species of concern. Although in some areas of the country the population is stable, in other areas it has declined significantly since the 1990s for reasons that are not entirely known. Our project is investigating the distribution and survival of Kestrels in southern England and 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. As well as receiving injured birds from the public, our specialist, state-ofthe-art facilities mean we’re able to take in birds of prey from other wildlife centres too.

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.

Our National Bird of Prey Hospital™ contains a treatment room, nursing bays and a rehabilitation aviary wing. This wing plays a key part in giving recovering birds the best chance to regain their fitness before we release them back into the wild.

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

This is the biggest threat to vultures in southern Africa and is killing hundreds of vultures every year.

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.

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

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

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

e about Find out mioorn & Research t our Conserva

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EVENTS

Evening Owls

Biodiversity Breakfast SATURDAY 27 MAY Join us for a special morning to enjoy and discover the best of British nature with Dr Matt Stevens, our UK Conservation Biologist. Breakfast in Feathers Restaurant included!

FUNDRAISING EVENT

SELECTED EVENINGS IN SPRING AND AUTUMN As night-time falls, experience our mystical owls as they fly silently in and out of the darkness over open plains and amongst mysterious woodland.

SATURDAY 2 SEPTEMBER

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

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

EVENTS

FUNDRAISING EVENT

FUNDRAISING EVENT

FRIDAY 27 OCTOBER Prepare yourself and your little ones for a wickedly spook-tacular family evening with two spooky shows where owls fly!

FUNDRAISING EVENT

THURSDAY 21 FRIDAY 22 DECEMBER Back by popular demand! Father Christmas, his magical team of owls and Evergreen the Elf will be back for this special family event at Christmas.

MONDAY 18 AND TUESDAY 19 DECEMBER Sing along with Christmas carols under the night sky accompanied by band, choir and of course our beautiful owls in flight!

FUNDRAISING EVENT

JANUARY 2024 Start 2024 with a sparkle as the Trust grounds become even more magical with dazzling illuminations, uplifting storytelling and spectacular owl flight.

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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?

These sessions are limited to set 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

Why not b uy an experience as a gift, with o ne of our gift ca rds.

Adult Experiences

Children’s Experiences

A Day with Birds of Prey

Owl Experience

Young Falconer 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 who call the Trust their home. You'll likely 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!

Become a young falconer for the day!

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.

Beginning Falconry Award Course

Children’s Owl Experience

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.

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!

Step aside Harry Potter! This is your chance to get up close 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!

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 2025 calendar.

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

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WIN your very own one-to-one flying or photography experience

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 bird lovers.

the Sweeney Todd Snowy Owl Danebury the Bald Eagle

Choose your adoption type: • Digital • Digital Plus • Adoption • Premium

Packs to suit all budgets!

Raj the Peregrine Falcon

Your adoption will include: • A certificate of adoption • A fact sheet about your adopted species • A mounted photo of your adopted bird • A memento of your adopted bird • Admission tickets to the Trust

Find out more

(excluding Digital pack)

e Cottonmouth thl* Burrowing Ow * Exclusive to Digital & Digital Plus adoption packs!

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Leaving a legacy l Your gif t to us wi ll ma ke a rea ns dif fer en ce to futur e gen eratio

Why not become a Guardian of the Meadow by adopting a plot in Reg’s Wildflower Meadow?

Help the conservation work of the Trust by adopting a plot and becoming a Guardian of the Meadow.

Guardians of the Meadow will: • Receive a certificate of adoption and you

can choose from six iconic plant species seen in the meadow over the years

We know when it comes to your Will, family comes first. If you are interested in leaving a small 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.

• Have your name displayed on a special

sign celebrating Guardians of the Meadow

• Help support our mission to conserve

birds of prey and their habitats.

Find out more 14

Find out more

Functions and Parties Weddings 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. Could you imagine your wedding rings being delivered by the graceful flight of an owl?

Or perhaps you’ll find it hard to believe that you could be standing in a stunning wildflower meadow for your wedding day photographs? 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!

Special Occasions

Corporate Events

From private functions to family occasions, there’s nothing like a party surrounded by 130 birds of prey! Our enchanting grounds 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 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.

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

Children’s Parties

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

The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a great place if you’re organising a children’s birthday party to remember. Whilst we don’t offer a hosted party, they can delight in a day filled with owls, eagles, vultures and falcons. You can make the most of our daily timetable of activities, and children can blow off steam in the playground and have a go at our Top Trumps activity trail. You can also reserve a table and pre-order your food from Feathers Restaurant for lunch or cakes and refreshments in the afternoon.

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Schools

We bring education to life outside the classroom .

SCHOOL VISITS FROM NOVEMBER 2023 TO MARCH 2024

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 a range of workshops.

A school visit includes: • An introductory talk • Ample free coach parking • Free recce for school group leader • Special admission rates for schools • Fully accessible buildings and grounds • Use of Outdoor Classroom • Free driver admission

Find out more

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BRAND N E OUTDOORW CLASSROO M!

“A fabulous place to visit. 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

Groups Talks

Visits

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.

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.

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!

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Visitor information 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).

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 to reception.

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

Lost property can be collected from reception.

Found property should be handed to a member of staff.

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

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

Keep in touch 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.

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 2023 except: • Thursday 28 September • Monday 13 November to Friday 1 December • Thursday 21 and Friday 22 December • Christmas Day and Boxing Day • Wednesday 3 January to Friday 9 February 2024 (Trust Shop and Feathers Restaurant will remain open) 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.

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter at www.hawk-conservancy.org Like @HawkConservancy Follow @HawkConservancy Share your photos with #hawkconservancy Subscribe to us for great videos youtube.com/user/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

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

OFFICIAL PARTNERS

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

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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 tim e to shop t od ay ?

Visit o ur o n websh line op!

CALLING ALL KIDS AND TOP TRUMPS FANS! Be sure to pick up your very own set of Hawk Conservancy Trust Top Trumps, with 30 different bird of prey cards.

Play against friends and family, collect cards by selecting the highest ratings on your cards, and learn some fascinating facts about birds of prey at the same time.

In addition to the packs of cards, we have a fabulous Top Trumps children’s activity trail! Receive one of our free Super Top Trumps Cards that does not feature in the regular pack, and find the 10 giant cards hidden around our grounds. It’s free to take part in as part of your day, simply collect your activity sheet on arrival.

Each time you visit get a SUPER TOP TRUMPS card.

9 to collect!