We’re delighted to share that Bird Team member Jennie Marshall has passed her Level 3 Zookeeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship with flying colours! A very well-deserved accolade for nearly two years of hard work. We chatted with Jennie to reflect on her time working towards this qualification, the skills she’s learnt along the way, and close bond with one particular bird she’s bonded with through it all… I started at the Hawk Conservancy Trust in October 2021, where I began my Level 2 Apprenticeship qualification. After completing this, I then began my Zookeeper & Aquarist Level 3 Qualification in February last […]
We are delighted to announce our latest Marion Paviour Award winner for 2024 – Kioko Kilonzo! Kioko’s project focuses on reducing human-wildlife conflict and protecting critically endangered vulture populations, particularly by engaging local communities and collaborating with them. In early 2024, a poisoning event at a ranch in Laikipia, Kenya, killed over 50 White-backed and Rüppell’s Vultures. This ultimately inspired Kioko’s project, ‘Mitigating human-wildlife conflict: protecting critically endangered vultures in Laikipia, Kenya.’ Unlike many poisoning events effecting vultures in Africa, where poachers purposefully poison carcasses to target vultures that give their position away, this particular event was fuelled by conflict […]
We are sad to share the news that Hawk Conservancy Trust Vice-President Nigel Lewis passed away on 14 November. Nigel became the Trust’s Vice-President on 24 July 2009, after working closely with Life President and Founder Ashley Smith. We remember him fondly for his dedication to conservation, especially his work at the forefront of Barn Owl conservation, and his mentorship to other conservationists, bird ringers, and local communities. Nigel spent many years of his life working to conserve Barn Owls in Suffolk, before moving to Wiltshire in 1983. After moving, he carried on working with this species in the south […]
Over the years, our 22 acres have grown and developed into an award-winning visitor attraction, surrounded by wonderous wildlife. Having worked at the Trust for over 20 years, Bird Team Member and Head of Flying Birds Mike Riley has been there for many of these exciting developments. We caught up with Mike to hear all about the next area of the Trust to have a revamp – our Woodland Arena! “Well autumn is upon us again, and it’s the time of year where some of our birds will rest for the winter months, and some will begin their flying season. […]
Small mammals (for example rodents) make up a high proportion of the diet of UK birds of prey. For the last few years, the Conservation and Research team at the Hawk Conservancy Trust have carried out small mammal surveys at both on-site and at two local external sites in Hampshire to estimate prey availability and abundance, which are key for a successful breeding season. These sites are chosen based on locations of regularly used nest boxes that are monitored as part of our Raptor Nest Box Project. With Kestrel numbers declining across the country, we are particularly interested in their main […]
Barn Owl chicks join conservation display team! At just nine weeks old, a pair of Barn Owl chicks have swooped into a new home at the Hampshire-based bird of prey charity, the Hawk Conservancy Trust. While getting ready to take their places on the charity’s flying display team, the fluffy-faced youngsters are embarking on a gentle induction scheme to settle them in, bond with the human members of the Bird Team and earn their stripes. It is hoped by spring next year, the pair should be ready to become fully fledged ambassadors within the daily displays that help the charity […]
Last year, we were overjoyed to welcome Matilda, our first Hooded Vulture chick to hatch here at the Trust. Now at over a year old, she’s really coming in to her own. Bird Team member Owen Lincoln has began working alongside Matilda, helping her to take her first wingbeats towards joining our flying team – which he tells us all about in this month’s Bird Team Blog! “Hello readers, It’s with great privilege that I am writing this article all about my work alongside our Hooded Vulture chick from 2023, Matilda. Or, commonly known to the Bird Team as ‘Tilly’. Over […]
“September is by far one of the best times to come and visit us at the Hawk Conservancy Trust. Although not guaranteed, there seems to be a trend of warm September days as the beginning of autumn sets in. After the excitement and exhilaration of the busy six weeks of the summer holidays, September brings a sense of calm and tranquillity; a perfect remedy to those post summer holiday blues. The Trust is bathed in glorious autumnal sun highlighting the changing colours of the trees and Reg’s’ Wildflower Meadow. As a member of the Bird Team for many years, September […]
If you’ve been to one of our flying displays, checked out our social media channels, or have even just been taking a stroll at the Trust, we’d be surprised if you hadn’t encountered Bird Team member and Events Coordinator Ben Cox. Ben’s no stranger to the spotlight, and we’re sure you’ll agree his passion for birds of prey and conserving them is infectious. We caught up with Ben to hear about a different side to his job – being on camera! “I am extremely lucky to get to do what I absolutely love every single day of the year. […]
Meet Lauren and Mathilde – the newest interns on the block! Supported with funding from Investec, they’ve joined our Conservation, Research and Education Team for six month each to help kickstart their careers in conservation. From working with our school groups to undertaking onsite bird surveys, each day is different at the Hawk Conservancy Trust. Keep reading to hear more about their work with us so far. Mathilde – Conservation and Research Intern I am delighted to be joining the Hawk Conservancy Trust as a Conservation and Research Intern. My love for birds, in particular birds of prey, stemmed from […]
