A group of newly qualified RSPCA inspectors began the first of a two day training session here at the Trust. Whilst here they learned identification, restraint and handling techniques. Pictured left with Sam Hunt and Harris' Hawk.
5th Feb
Trust Secretary Jane Baugh attended a four day first aid course.
6th Feb
Trustee Chris Packham visited the Trust to set up a photo session featuring Hades the Gyrfalcon (pictured right).
Several membes of Trust staff visited the Birmingham Gift Fair at the NEC to look for new ideas for the Trust shop.
11th Feb
Reporter Ron Toft interviewed Chief Scientific Officer Campbell Murn about the Asian White Backed Vulture crisis, for an in flight magazine on an Asian airline. He also interviewed CEO Ashley Smith about the history of the Trust for a feature article in the Hampshire magazine.
12th Feb
Basingstoke College of Technology attended a training course at the Trust. Ashley gave a talk about the work of the Trust to Charlton W.I. group.
16th Feb
The Trust opened fully for the 2008 season. Bright, warm and sunny weather arrived in time for the school half term holiday, and the crowds arrived making it a great start to the year.
18th Feb
Two of the baby Hawk Owls bred last year left for new homes in Norfolk, transported by staff from Banham Zoo.
19th Feb
A group of Chernobyl children visited the Trust as part of their trip to the UK.
20th Feb
A private Owls By Moonlight was held for the staff of Waitrose and Leckford Estate.
26th Feb
A Corporate day was held for Gartners, consisting of a meeting in the morning and hands on flying in the afternooon.
28th Feb
Corporate day held for the Environment Agency.
29th Feb
Volunteer Lou Ritchie attended Castledown School on an outreach visit.
New extension to the corporate room underway
Throughout the month work continued around the grounds. The foundations are now in place for the extension to the corporate room, and the brick work has commenced.
The amphitheatre is well under way, the hill has been cut into and the banks shorn up. Safety rails are fitted and hard core is placed on the ground. Over the next couple of weeks the seating was brought in, speakers fitted and final touches made to complete the arena for the Easter weekend.
Spring has sprung around the grounds. The first of the cowslips are appearing in the meadow, and all around around the grounds the blossom is on the trees and daffodills are opening.
Work on new arena, stepped seating areas
After a hard days work staff and volunteers try out the new arena.