The Trust faced its full zoo inspection from DEFRA and representatives from test Valley Borough Council. This takes place every four years, with an interim inspection every two years. When granted, this allows the Trust to be open to the public.

It is a full day's inspection covering every part of the grounds, as well as the Trust's policies and procedures. We are given a general overview at the end of the day, and a full report which follows later.

There were a few minor recommendations around the recording of information, but apart from that the Trust passed with flying colours. As a preamble to the report the inspector commented: "It has been an absolute pleasure to visit and inspect the Hawk Conservancy Trust. To my mind this centre show all the good aspects of zoological collections of raptorial birds in the best possible way. There is good focus on conservation and education, the grounds, aviaries and flying grounds are of an excellent standard, both in the welfare need of its inhabitants and as a visitor attraction. To my mind this organization represents 'the Gold Standard' of falconry zoological collections."

Wet weather greeted us for the bank holiday weekend which resulted in smaller than normal visitor numbers.

Ali Sparkes writer and Radio Solent presenter held a book launch, for the latest in her children's adventure book series. This book features a child that shapeshifts into a falcon. the Trust had given Ali a lot of information about peregrine falcons for her book, and were given a credit in the front page. Over 40 guests attended in the new function room.

To find out more about Ali and her books please visit her web site on www.alisparkes.com.

Ashley & Tracey attended a Gift Aid meeting organized by BIAZA at Dudley Zoo to discuss the issues that have been raised by the new Gift Aid regulations and by Inland Revenue audits that have been held at zoological collections.

Hayling Island camera club paid a visit to the Trust.

New corporate furniture arrived, giving a great new look for our meeting room and allowing us to be versatile in allowing people to book meetings or conferences in the room.

Volunteer Lou Ritchie visited Longparish pre-school with an owl to help with the school's project.

Festo held another of their "Don't feed me chicken" management training days at the Trust.

Today saw the trial of the new Hawk Walks being launched at the Trust. These are one hour sessions that can only be booked and taken during the day of a visit. They give a day visitor the opportunity to handle and fly a Harris Hawk. These will take place during weekends and school holidays and are dependant on staffing levels and on weather.

The foundations were laid for a new refreshment outlet next to the new woodland arena. When completed this will allow the sale of cold drinks and ice cream between the 2pm and 3.30p displays in the summer and warm drinks in the winter months.