Flying high

From Hooded Vultures to hilarious Runner Ducks, the wonderful Hawk Conservancy Trust seems to get better and better each time you visit. Flying displays, keeper talks and even ferret racing all keep young and old alike entertained all day long.

There’s something extra special about this place, and I’m not just talking about the daily entertainment. It’s the passion of the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to protect and conserve many species of birds of prey; not only here in the UK, but also on their conservation projects all over the world. If you don’t have a New Year’s resolution for 2012 yet – make this year the year you visit the Trust.

BOXOUT

A potted history

The Hawk Conservancy Trust began life as the Weyhill Wildlife Park in 1966, and was founded by Reg and Hilary Smith who had been farming the land since 1952. Following an appearance on Blue Peter they were visited by hundreds of people wanting to see their animals -so they decided to open a zoo.

The Park specialised in European species of wildlife like wolves, bears and birds of prey. Before long, people began bringing injured mammals and birds of prey to Reg and Hilary for treatment and care. Once nursed back to health the patients were always released back in to the wild but in 1980 the couple decided to specialise in birds of prey and, with the help of their son Ashley, the Hawk Conservancy was created.

Sadly, Reg passed away in 1995 and to honour his memory it was decided after the purchase of seven acres of land that a wildflower meadow would be established. Now, Reg’s Meadow is adorned with a plethora of flora and fauna for visitors to enjoy.

Reg and Hilary’s work with injured raptors led to the creation of a purpose built hospital, where approximately 200 birds of prey are treated each year. The hospital was named after Hilary - a fitting tribute which now provides a wonderful memorial to her after she passed away in 2006. In 2004 the Hawk Conservancy became a registered charity are now officially known as the Hawk Conservancy Trust.  

Action packed

Get to the Trust as soon as they open to start an action-packed day. The below is what visitors can experience this winter/spring.

10am Gates open

11am Heron and Red Kite feed

11.30am Vulture Restaurant and keepers’ talk

11.45am World of Birds of Prey flying demonstration

2pm Raptors of the North flying demonstration

3pm opportunity for adults to fly a Harris’ Hawk

3pm Heron and Red Kite feed, plus keepers talk

4.30pm close

Fund-a-bird
You can’t fail to be impressed by the work staff and volunteers carry out at the Trust and there are lots of ways visitors can choose to help. One way is the Fund-a-Bird nest box scheme that gives a homeless bird of prey somewhere to live. There’s a lack of suitable nest sites for at least four British raptor species, namely kestrels, little owls, barn owls and tawny owls.

Fund-a-Bird is a nest box installation and monitoring scheme run by the Trust aiming to address this lack of suitable nest sites and to give these birds a home. Subscribing to this project means contributing to the environmental survey of suitable habitats, the building and erection of nest boxes, monitoring of nest boxes, and the ringing and follow up health surveys on chicks.

Each of the four target species has different nesting requirements so the boxes are specially designed for their needs. It costs just £32.50 a year, for which you will receive:

• Information about the target species.
• An annual report that describes the activities in your four adopted boxes over the year and of the project as a whole.
• Information about the research work associated with the scheme.

You and a guest will attend an exclusive event at the Trust, where you will be given a presentation of the Fund-a-Bird scheme and get to meet and hold a bird of prey – either a Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, Little Owl or Kestrel.

Become a member
Another way to support the Trust is to become a member, there are two types of membership: standard, which costs £40 for adults, £15 for children, £78 joint and £100 for a family membership. Just some of the benefits include unlimited visits to the Trust during the main open season and winter weekends, discounted admission for guests, two members’ evenings a year at the Trust and priority invitations to special events.

Life members receive the benefits of the standard membership plus a special lapel badge, special mention in newsletters and a plaque that will take pride of place on a seat at one the flying arenas. Life membership costs £800 for under 60’s and £600 for over 60’s.
Find out more online at www.hawk-conservancy.org

Meet the people

Paul Betchley

A talented artist with a love of British wildlife, Paul commentates some of the displays and is an experienced falconer. He has an excellent sense of fun and great sense of humour, which many of the guests on the flying experience days can confirm. Paul is very good in front of film cameras and has made many appearances on TV.

Campbell Murn

Campbell is an Australian in England with a passion for Africa. He is an expert on African White-headed Vultures and spends vast amounts of time studying this incredible species.

Ashley Smith

Ashley has worked with birds of prey for most of his life. He is a fabulous raconteur and gives informative and humorous presentations on the work and history of the Trust. He took over the running of the Hawk Conservancy from his father, Reg.

Gary Benton

One of the UK’s most talented falconers, if you’re very lucky you can get to watch Gary fly a falcon to a lure during one of your visits to the Trust.

Jimmy Robinson

Probably the tallest falconer in the UK, Jimmy is most often seen presenting the ‘Hunters of the Sky’ bird of prey show at Longleat.

Kim Kirkbride

Kim looks after the Bird of Prey Hospital at the Trust – a specialist unit that admits over 200 birds of prey each year.

Andy Hinton

As the Curator at the Trust, Andy is responsible for the bird of prey collection (over 150 birds of approximate 68 different species).

Dr Matt Stevens

Matt is responsible for the Fund-a-Bird nest box scheme and is currently undertaking a Kestrel survey that involves miles of walking while counting raptors.

Mike Riley

Mike is a senior falconer who handles most of the bigger raptors at the Trust, such as the eagles and vultures. He also participates in the Experience Days, giving guests close encounters flying different birds of prey species.

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