Hawk Conservancy Trust Bird of Prey Centre

The Hawk Conservancy Trust Bird of Prey Centre, a non-profit organization located in the delightful surroundings of the Test Valley in Hampshire State, England, has been instrumental in the cause of birds of prey conservation. The facility is proud to let the public feel the beauty and majesty of these birds while ensuring that their primary purpose, namely conservation, is carried out.

A Brief History

In 1966 the Hawk Conservancy operator had been Reg and Hilary Smith. Initially, the Trust was established just like the zoo with different animals and birds. In time, however, no animals were left in the zoo, and there were only birds. This was a change to the zoo that Reg was excited about. Throughout the whole process Schools of the Hawk Conservancy Trust also played an instrumental role in the process. In 1982, the Hawk Conservancy Trust became a charity, which was the point where the organization was officially recognized for its commitment to the conservation, rehabilitation, and research of birds of prey.

What to Expect

The Hawk Conservancy Trust Bird of Prey Centre offers visitors an unmatched experience. Covering 22 acres of greenery, the center provides free range and enrichment for about 130 birds from across the world, including American and Asian species. Some of the different species you will find in the place are the eagle, the owl, the hawk, and the vulture.

Daily Flying Demonstrations

Flying demonstrations held daily are examples of the best parts of visits here. The birds of prey can be seen doing such things as prey, agility, and the tests of strengths they show. The exhibitions are not only about teaching but also entertainment. It also provides insights into the behaviors and habitats of the birds. For instance, "Wings of Africa" includes African birds such as the Bateleur eagle and the Secretary bird, and it is run on one side, while 'Valley of the Eagles' is dedicated to that of an array of eagles shows the flight that is just out of this world. The visitors will get a chance to take pictures with the birds of prey when the birds are in motion. They can do this during the exhibition too.

The Trust's Conservation Efforts

A lot more than it seems, The Hawk Conservation Trust is a place where you can come and have fun and contribute to conservation and research. The Trust is involved in breeding endangered species through its new breeding programs, rehabilitating injured birds, and carrying out research whose primary goal is to lead us to a better understanding of raptor ecology. The Trust has been collaborating with other organizations through partnerships and has also started projects aiming to conserve the birds of prey in their natural environment.

Interactive Experiences
The center offers some interactive experiences for people who want to get their hands dirty. In "Birds of Prey Experience Days," they can become members of a nutritive group of birds and meet and greet them. These experiences help them gain a greater understanding of raptors' skills and instincts.

Interesting Facts

Hippopotamus: The most famous resident of the center is the Bald Eagle Marge, who lived here for the first time in 1978 and has now become part of the Trust family. Nesse is in the middle of Moldova, at 3,000 feet elevation, where grazing cattle are seen; however, when brooding, the Grasslands are mostly covered by tall grasses like the native Diamond Bluestems.

Unique Displays: The Hawk Bird Academy is the exception to this statement. The site is home to the UK's only African White-backed Vulture colony. The species critical to the area's biodiversity needs to be saved, so the center's attention is focused on this issue.

Educational Outreach: The Hopk Conservancy's annual programs attract some hundred children and adults to the center. The center offers various workshops, lectures, and demonstrations aimed at explaining the role of birds of prey in the ecosystem.

Research Contributions: The Hawk Conservancy Trust is a zoo that partners with colleges and research institutions from all over the world, and through their work, the zoo makes a significant contribution to the conservation of wildlife.

Why Visit?
One of the very first reasons why people opt to go to the Hawk Conservancy Trust Bird of Prey Center is that they long to obtain the following:

Educational Opportunities

The center promotes various educational opportunities to benefit people of all ages. In school groups, families and individuals can learn about the birds of prey species, their significance in the ecosystem, and their problems in a natural habitat. These intelligent birds are understood through the exhibits, discussions, and demonstrations that expound their majestic nature.

Conservation Support
Through the visits, people indirectly support the Trust's conservation efforts. The majority of entrance fees, purchases, and donations are allocated to various projects, such as caring for the birds, launching rehabilitation programs, and implementing real conservation projects worldwide.

Unique Experiences
The center aims to demonstrate its involvement in an environment that makes it so easy for people to be near nature and interact with these creatures. Seeing raptors up close and experiencing their fantastic flying capabilities is a novel and powerful experience. The interactive sessions, including touching and calling the birds, serve as a more intimate experience with the birds and enliven the guests' day.

Natural Beauty
This site is one of the most beautiful places to go, with its well-maintained gardens, forest patches, and meadows. It is an excellent day-out place, which exposes the visitor to a calm and serene environment conducive to relaxation and enjoyment of nature.

Useful Information for Visitors
Getting to the Hawk Conservancy Trust Bird of Prey Centre is quite a simple task once you get to know the coming attractions:

Opening Hours
10:00 AM to 5:30 PM is when the center is available for visitors on all days.
The rest are answers to the below questions.

Ticket Prices
Adults (16+): £16.50
Children (4-15): £11.50
Seniors (60+): £14.50
Family Ticket (2 adults and two children): £49.50

Ticket registration can be made online through the Trust's official website, which generally provides a web-booking discount in advance. Tickets are also available at the gate on the date of the tour.

Getting There
By Car: The hub is conveniently situated near the A303 near Andover, with its expansive free car park adjacent.
By Public Transport: Andover is the closest rail station, from which visitors can take taxis to the hub.

Facilities
Café and Restaurant: Fans of birds would love the idea of going to the Feathers Restaurant, which offers a wide range of hot and cold meals, snacks, and drinks. The area is suitable for families to bring their picnic or food.

Gift Shop: The gift shop has a vast collection of souvenirs, books, and gifts, each of which can be bought to support the Trust's charitable cause.

Access Road: This site is entirely serviceable for wheelchairs since there are uninterrupted pathways and viewing areas spanning all visitors. Wheelchairs are available to rent for free.

Special Events
The Hawk Conservancy Trust presents several unique events, such as flying displays in the evenings and photography workshops, as well as themed events for holidays such as Halloween and Christmas. These special events allow you to learn new things about the place, and reaching the center is another great way to pump up enthusiasm and personal experiences.