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| The Hawk Conservancy Trust |
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The Hawk Conservancy Trust is an award winning visitor attraction and registered charity that has for many years worked in the fields of conservation, education, rehabilitation and the research of birds of prey, both in the UK and overseas. The Trust is based just outside Andover, Hampshire, (off the A303) in 22-acres of woodland and wildflower meadow where there are over 150 birds of prey are on view, from the tiny Pygmy Owl to the impressive European Black Vulture.
Conservation is an important feature of the Trust’s mission. It participates in conservation breeding programmes for endangered species and was the first organisation to breed and release Red Kites back to the wild.
The charity also receives over 200 young, sick or injured birds of prey each year, which are treated in the Trust’s specialist hospital and rehabilitation aviaries. The Trust also runs the Fund-a-Bird nest box adoption scheme, that provides much needed breeding sites for four species of British raptor – Barn Owl, Kestrel, Tawny Owl and Little Owl.
The Hawk Conservancy Trust is also home to the only public Great Bustard aviary in the UK and works closely with the Great Bustard Group who run the project to reintroduce the species back onto Salisbury Plain.
A day at the Trust has a packed itinerary with three fabulous flying demonstrations that see owls, kites, hawks, falcons and eagles showing off their skills. The birds come really close and there is even an opportunity to hold a British bird of prey – children can hold an owl and adults can fly a Harris’ Hawk.
There are other activities during weekends and school holidays, such as tractor rides, runner duck racing, and ferret racing. There is also an adventure playground, nature trail and raptor passport to complete. Special events include Owls By Moonlight, Adult and Junior Experience Days, and Photographic Days, which enable the participants to get closer to the birds of prey in a more intimate setting.
The Trust has fully catered corporate facilities that are ideal for meetings or training sessions, and make a unique setting for private functions and parties. The Hawk Conservancy Trust have an excellent Coffee Shop that sells home-cooked food and a Trust Shop for gifts and mementoes. There is ample free car parking with designated disabled spaces.
Reviewed by Gale Gould |
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