At the Trust, we’re so lucky and grateful to have a wonderful team of dedicated volunteers. Ryan Stephens from our Bird Team works very closely with this team of fantastic people, coordinating duties and rotas, and he’s shared an insight into the challenges of the past year and the significant impact our volunteers have had in helping us tackle these tough times:

“Another year passes by at the Trust and we have seen so much happen over the past twelve months (and more). Challenges with COVID-19 regulations and lockdown periods in the early stages of 2021 certainly had an impact, but after a more prosperous summer and autumn, it certainly felt like things at the Trust were getting back to normal, until more recently. We wait to see what 2022 has in store for us.

One of the constants that we have seen throughout the past couple of years is the ongoing and invaluable support from our volunteer team. Without fail, week in and week out our team are on hand to help us with all that being a world-class visitor attraction entails. We have found that over the past two years our volunteers have grown into a very tightknit community and this warm and friendly atmosphere only enhances that feeling that hopefully our members and visitors feel when they step through our doors.

It really goes without saying that we would not be able to do what we do at the Trust without this team of people. Every hour that they give to help us with our mission is greatly appreciated, whether that be our long-standing volunteers who help us with our experience sessions, the volunteers who help us with the maintenance of aviaries, the team who help keep the grounds in shipshape condition or those who help us in the Trust shop or offices. We thank you for all the time you have given up to us throughout 2021.

Personally, I spent nearly two years volunteering at the Trust before I was offered a position on the Bird Team. Prior to this, I completed five weeks of work experience and one of the things I always remember from this time is how much the presence of other volunteers really helped me during those nervous first few weeks. Our volunteers are always ready to help some of the newer members of the team and take them under their wings.

So next time you visit, have a look out for that welcoming face as you enter a flying display. Look out for the people who are keeping the aviaries spotless. Look out for the team constructing new aviaries for our birds to live in, these people are the volunteers who are integral to what makes the Hawk Conservancy Trust the amazing place that it is. Thank you!”

Ryan Stephens

Registrar and Bird Team

Here are some photos of just a few of our lovely volunteers at work:

We are delighted that Investec has chosen to partner with the Hawk Conservancy Trust on selected conservation projects. Investec is an international specialist banking and wealth management group that has supported conservation initiatives since 2012.

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If you’ve visited us this year, you won’t have been able to miss the building works taking place on site, next to our National Bird of Prey Hospital™. Here we’re constructing an annex to the hospital, made possible with the help of very generous donations from Animal Friends Pet Insurance and Life Members Graham and Rita Morgan. This project will expand our facilities and allow us to improve our biosecurity measures. (more…)

We are extremely proud of the work we do in the National Bird of Prey Hospital™. Hospital Manager Cedric, along with other dedicated staff members and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure all the birds get the highest level of care possible, and the best chance at survival when they are released back into the wild.

So far, 2021 has been no exception, and Cedric and the team are very busy as always. Read on for the latest updates from the hospital! (more…)

Treat your loved one to a sumptuous three-course dinner prepared by our expert chefs. You don’t need to live too close the Trust to order this takeaway as the food will all be prepared for your order and will come with full instructions for you to finish at home. Or perhaps you’d prefer a romantic afternoon tea hamper – we even offer prosecco! Email info@hawkconservancy.org for more information and to pre-order.

Contact info@hawkconservancy.org to pre-order. Dinner and afternoon tea hampers available for collection on Friday 12 (12-8pm), Saturday 13 (12-2pm) and Sunday 14 February (12-4pm).

Valentine’s Day Dinner for Two

Sharing Charcuterie Platter served with Flatbreads

Thyme and Garlic Infused Camembert with Heart-shaped Crostini

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Classic Beef Wellington with Madeira Sauce

Herb-salted Fillet of Salmon with a Prawn and Lobster Sauce

Ricotta, Sun-blushed Tomato and Spinach Roulade (v)

Slow-braised Lamb Shank with a Redcurrant and Rosemary Sauce

All main courses will come with a selection of fresh steamed vegetables and potatoes

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Sharing Platter of Mini Desserts

Chocolate Tart, Eton Mess, Raspberry Mousse, Fresh Fruit Brochettes served with Chocolate Dipping Sauce

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Petit Fours

£28.95 per person or add an individual bottle of prosecco for £5.95 each

Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea Hamper

Selection of Homemade Sandwiches

 Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese, Coronation Chicken, Home-cooked Ham with Real Ale Chutney, Egg and Cress

Cheese Straws

Homemade Vegetarian Quiche

Selection of Homemade Cakes

Scones with Jam and Clotted Cream, Lemon Drizzle Cake, Chocolate Brownie, Profiteroles

Fresh Strawberries and Cream

£16.50 per person or add an individual bottle of prosecco for £5.95 each

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Throughout the year, we are constantly monitoring our birds and their living conditions, and making various renovations and repairs to their accommodation. For our breeding birds, this can be a little trickier as we prefer to leave them undisturbed during the breeding season and so this has to be done visually and from afar. Outside of the breeding season, we take the opportunity to catch them up for a full health check and, at the same time, carry out planned maintenance work on their aviary before returning them. This involves a big team effort to ensure we can make the process as quick and easy as possible for the birds. (more…)